Sir – Frances Kennett (Letters, January 5) is right to say that Summertown would benefit from more small independent retailers. We have been campaigning for a replacement post office for years and share her concerns about the possible changes in the shopping parade which cannot be controlled under existing regulations.

As Summertown city councillors, we are hosting a ward meeting on Thursday, February 16, at the North Oxford Community Centre in Diamond Place, at 7.30pm, at which the subject of how residents might be able to influence the mix of businesses in our shopping centre will be discussed. The new Localism Act provides for Neighbourhood Plans, which we hope will allow much more local influence over planning of all kinds. The meeting is open to all; we hope that all concerned about the future of Summertown will come along.

Residents are understandably concerned about the addition of a fourth supermarket. No planning permission was required, as there is no change of use. The application for a licence to sell alcohol will have to be determined in the light of current legislation but we hope that at least the allowed Sunday trading hours will be less than the 7am to 11pm hours applied for.

Jean Fooks and Stuart McCready, Liberal Democrat city councillors, Summertown ward