I AM considerably concerned about two quite different problems we have had reported in our city recently.

Despite their seriousness, the people of Oxford seem to show little concern.

The first is about the apparent disinclination of a local leading judge to deal firmly and decisively with trouble. During the past few months I have closely examined, through your paper, this judge’s flaccid judgmental comments and his ineffectuality as a supposed dispenser of justice.

On consecutive nights your paper has reported his inability to deter drug-using thieves with long histories of theft by means of stiffer sentences.

This judge seems completely alienated from the long-suffering public and appears unaware of the use of punishment as a deterrent.

My other concern is the mishandling of the Oxford School problem. I follow your editorial lead on this.

The school needs to have its recent noteworthy achievements loudly trumpeted and the staff need regular commendation for their efforts.

We don’t need Councillor Michael Waine’s academy. After all what exactly is an academy? We’ve not been told yet.

‘School’ however, is a fine word and the Oxford School has a fine history.

It means what it says, and the school is well-supported by present and past-parents of pupils, ex-staff, governors and, of course, its recent glowing record academically.

The proposed academy would result in a financial and educational disaster.

So let’s have strength from our judges and faith in our educators.

Lionel Horner, Eden Drive, Headington, Oxford