Sir – I am writing in response to Keith Mitchell’s request for response to Oxfordshire County Council’s Big Debate (Letters, July 29).

The current circumstances the country and also the county finds itself in can be taken as an excellent opportunity to think radically.

Living in Abingdon why do I have three layers of council? Abingdon Town Council which seems to be responsible for the Christmas lights and not a lot else. Vale of the White Horse which collects the bins. The county council which apparently should fix the potholes in the roads.

Why can we not have one council with sole responsibility for my local services ?

Whenever I get a visit from a councilor canvassing for my vote the first response to any question is — it’s not my council, it’s one of the others who is responsible.

My suggestion would be three local area councils based on South, North Oxfordshire and Oxford city responsible for all the local services in their areas.

Just think of all the opportunities to save money and give real accountability this structure would provide.

Where is Oxfordshire County Council in all this? Well Keith Mitchell you did ask for a Big Debate!

Chris Fox, Abingdon