Oxford Covered Market is vibrant and has survived for so long because it has an important place in the city's shopping hierarchy.

You say a lot could be done to improve the place (Oxford Mail, August 14). This was true of the Cowley and Westgate shopping centres. Both were run down and sold by the council.

The lead was taken by an enterprising landlord, and what a transformation. I am sure a similar result could be achieved with the market, with tenants playing their part.

The question of ownership is less important to the way it is managed. It is vital that tenants have security, support and confidence.

Mixed messages are coming from the Town Hall.

Acting chief executive Mark Luntley says the sale of the market has been considered as an option, whereas Councillor Price says even considering selling the market has been rejected.

Councillor Woodin refers to a breakdown in communication with the tenants.

It seems there is confusion and a breakdown within the council. Tenants are understandably concerned.

I hope Mr Luntley is correct. It is incumbent on the council to review the use and true costs of assets using sound financial and property management standards. I assume this is partly the object of the Asset Management Plan.

We can then have some confidence that any decision is credible and transparent. Sentiment and heads in the sand are not a sufficiently reliable guide or reason.

I have every sympathy with tenants. This all comes after protracted rent negotiations, which the council appears to have pursued vigorously. Could it be to push up the value and saleability of the market?

With the Town Hall apparently now up for grabs, what's next? Where was the Town Hall on the list?

CHRIS FEATHERSTON

Northcourt Road

Abingdon