Following stories about the budget crisis facing our city, there seems to be a growing call for independent candidates to put themselves forward at the forthcoming elections.

Oxford has long been blighted by the party political games enjoyed by our elected representatives - ill-thought out schemes which are replaced by new ideas when power changes hands and so on down the years.

Oxford is a global city, full of talent, passion and commitment.

We should be proud of our heritage and our contribution to society.

I am now embarrassed to show people round because of how things have been left to decay.

If there are people like me - independent of party affiliation, with a desire to make things better for the residents and visitors to Oxford, perhaps they should get in touch - via the Oxford Mail - and we can see how we might work together for the good of all.

We should not have to accept second best any longer.

Simon Tavener Jericho Oxford