A GRANDMOTHER who is refusing to let developers bulldoze her bungalow to make way for social housing has thanked people in Oxford for their messages of support.

Oxford Mail readers have been backing Beryl Mitchell, 87, who bought her former council home under the right to buy scheme and last week said she would still be in her houseat Christmas.

Mrs Mitchell, who has lived in the Lambourn Road property in Rose Hill, for 42 years, said she appreciated the support.

The former Oxford University Press and Morris Motors worker said: “My solicitors are dealing with the situation, so I can’t say too much, but it’s nice to know people support what I am doing.

“What I do know is that I will certainly be here this Christmas and beyond.”

Since Oxford City Council unveiled £5.8m redevelopment plans for the area in August, Mrs Mitchell has refused to move out, despite the demolition of almost all of the surrounding properties.

The proposed development has since been given planning permission by the council, subject to the resolution of Mrs Mitchell’s situation.

It will include 18 houses, 10 flats in a three-storey block, 10 bungalows and 56 parking spaces.

Peter Wilkinson, of Thames View Road, Rose Hill, was one of many local residents to write to the Oxford Mail about Mrs Mitchell’s circumstances.

He said: “Mrs Mitchell is made of stern stuff, and she has my full admiration and support for the stance she is taking.

“I know that she also has a great deal of respect and support from the Rose Hill community.

“She is the innocent victim of circumstance, the situation she finds herself in is neither of her choosing or making.”

Vim Rodrigo, who also lives in Rose Hill, said he supported Mrs Mitchell’s “lone and defiant” stand.

He said: “Those who are not conversant with the facts of her case may draw the wrong conclusion that she is the villain of the piece, blocking the council from developing much-needed housing.

“She is, in fact, a victim of council bureaucracy and terminological inexactitude.”

Peter Collett, of The Slade, Headington, added: “Why should she give up the home she has lived in for so many years?

“Just think of all the expense it would put her through.”

Keith Brooks, from Horspath, said: “If people are so concerned about the housing shortage in Oxford, instead of picking on an old lady they should be asking the city council why properties it owns are left empty for years and allowed to fall into disrepair.”

Readers were responding to a letter from G Husband, of North Oxford, published in the Oxford Mail last week.

He wrote: “This stubborn lady is holding up a much-needed housing scheme for nearly 40 individuals and families. Give it up Beryl – for their sake.”

Graham Bourton, head of Oxford City Homes, said: “We have been working with Mrs Mitchell in recent weeks to reassure her about her future housing. Discussions are progressing well.”