I HAVE lived in Marston since 1983 and remember it being part of South Oxfordshire District Council.

It’s always easy to refer to the old days but I have to say that the services provided during that period were fair and reasonable.

In the Oxford Mail on May 6 I noted three items that reflect on the way the county and city councils treat residents in the city, given that we in Marston pay the same rates as people living in the city including East Oxford and Blackbird Leys.

Our councillors appear to be ignoring the issue of parking in the Marston estate area. I fear someone will get seriously injured or killed before anyone takes notice. Our city councillors seem more concerned about the activities of Mick Haines than representing our community.

There seems to be a simple solution, because of the perceived lack of representation: ignore what is going on in Marston, update the CPZ in East Oxford and drive everybody out to Old Marston where they can park for nothing and leave their cars for as long as they like.

Which brings me on to the second item in the paper – Thames Valley Police inviting people in Blackbird Leys to have coffee with them. What a great idea: a chance to discuss issues with residents. I cannot remember the last time I saw a police officer, a community police officer or even a parking attendant on our estate. I have no idea who my community police officers are or where they operate from.

Finally, turning to Ian Hudspeth and his desire to become the A34 supremo. The Tories have just lost numerous seats in the county elections because they failed to listen to the electorate and they think that sorting out the A34 will get them votes. I would watch that space with interest.

I would have thought they need to get back in to the communities and see what their issues are, rather than wasting millions of taxpayers’ pounds on a trunk road that I suspect is used in proportion by more people from outside the county than in it.

My message then, to the police and the city and county council, is to meet with the community and treat everyone fairly. After all, we all pay our rates and require the equal support of all our public servants.

ALAN SPENCE, Arlington Drive, Old Marston, Oxford