THE Summertown ‘post office lobby’ described by Paul Lumley (Oxford Mail, December 5) would be delighted if any newly vacant shop could take over the post office the centre so badly needs.

But there are a couple of obstacles. Firstly, any new post office has to be approved by Post Office Limited.

Surprisingly this organisation, or rather its computer model, does not think that a post office in Summertown would be economically viable.

Secondly, as far as the Oddbins and Martins sites are concerned, Sainsbury’s have got there first and are planning to open a supermarket, even though we already have Marks & Spencers, the Co-op, and Tesco in very close proximity.

They have applied for a licence to sell alcohol from 7am until 11pm daily which is causing concern locally. Once Post Office Limited have agreed that we can have our post office back, a site will have to be found.

If the library can be extended slightly, there would be room for a post office there and the Friends of Summertown Library are actively considering this option.

So far no existing shop has been willing to host a post office, but this might change in the future.

JEAN FOOKS Liberal Democrat county councillor for Summertown and Wolvercote and city councillor for Summertown St Bernard’s Road, Oxford,