Sir - For those who like a quiet life I would not recommend living in Oxford in the coming years, as it will resemble a vast building site.

When one thinks of the schemes which are in hand it is truly astonishing; the Westgate expansion, the redevelopment of the Radcliffe Infirmary site, the reconstruction of Brookes University in addition to the West End proposals, Pear Tree etc. Oxford faces an intensive and prolonged building craze beginning with Bonn Square this year and continuing for the next decade. It is unmatched in Oxford's recent history. The city will be ringed by a forest of cranes.

Such a building boom will have major consequences for the social fabric of the city. Thousands of building workers will be required in the city and where will they come from? OK from Poland and eastern Europe, but where will they live and spend their leisure time? For those who have a few rooms to let it is likely to be boom time along with the bar and café owners.

Such an explosion of activity requires a positive response from the authorities and I suggest consideration be given to forming a special team from the local authorities and agencies to attempt to co-ordinate this boom and safeguard the environment of those who already live in the city, in particular the central areas.

Paul Hornby, Oxford