Sir – Will Doric share the evidence for their claim that ‘70 per cent of people... have to travel elsewhere to get their shopping done because what is on offer locally is not good enough’ (Report, November 14)?

Their consultation says 70 per cent of people think shopping in Botley could be improved and 61 per cent do not do their main shop there. Neither statistic supports Doric’s claim, particularly since they fail to disclose where over a quarter of respondents do actually do their main shop, or why.

Perhaps the answer does not suit their strategy? I, like others, told Doric that shopping in Botley could be improved and that I do not do my main shop there — but I did not tell them and nor does it follow, that because the shops would benefit from some improvements I have to travel elsewhere.

Neither does the fact that I do not do my main shop in Botley mean that I want to. I shop online. That will not change with the building of an enormous supermarket.

I do, however, rely on Botley’s smaller shops to regularly top up that main shop. I have no intention of switching my online shop to battle through the inevitable additional traffic and round an enormous superstore either to do my main shop or to buy a few essentials.

I will instead shop more frequently online and walk to Cumnor to top up. Botley has, needs and wants to keep small, local shops.

Even if it is true that 70 per cent of people do not do their main shop in Botley, that does not mean 70 per cent want to. Doric are twisting the numbers to support the development they, not local residents, want, while paying lip service to consultation.

Clare Woodcock, Oxford