I CANNOT believe that after all this time Tesco’s has decided to start work on the Friar pub in Marston. I have been informed that work will commence in February, ready for an August opening.

I have two issues that really concern me. The first one is the plan for the car park on the site where the memorial plaque and bench are situated (which has been recognised by the Oxford Preservation Trust). Also, the local post office in Costcutters. I went to Downing Street in 2006 to save it.

Surely, it is now time to stop these multinational supermarkets from pushing out the local retailers who have supported the local communities for many years. A total of 2,831 signatures were signed on a petition against the Tesco’s application by the majority but this has been ignored. Once more, democracy doesn’t seem to count.

MICK HAINES (Cllr), Croft Road, Marston, Oxford