Sir — I wonder what sort of topsy-turvy world our local councillors inhabit? There was a time when they were seen as our representatives; an interface between constituents and the officers but firmly on our side.

Now it seems the officers are not only there to serve but also to control these same councillors. Their power is such that they can demand a star chamber where they may interrogate and possibly relieve our Mayor from her elected office for the crime of representing the good electors of Osney.

When Susanna Pressel witnessed, at first hand, her constituents protesting at the unnecessary removal of some willows from Osney she was behaving exactly as good councillor should. Councillors like Susanna are rare, for all to often they simply follow the officers and observe the form as if in some exclusive club.

I only wish we had had someone of her quality in Summertown during the recent fiasco over our controlled parking. Unfortunately our representative prefers to be photographed against good works and like a loyal club member slavishly follows the officer’s opinion.

If our city councillors had any gumption they would, as a group, dismiss this nonsense of a trial and inform the officers of their real duty.

Of course this is all a wild dream because the council would never dare offend the officers' union; it is so much easier to sacrifice Susanna instead.

Richard Hunt, Oxford