I AM concerned as to whether the Oxford Canal is any longer looked upon as a navigation or as an encumbrance and liability to the city.

Despite the increasingly fragile physical condition of the waterway and its infrastructure, something with which many users would concur, is it realistic or acceptable to spend 40-odd thousand pounds on an anti-boat campaign when boat usage should be encouraged, not deterred? The presence of moored craft, many residential, brings a greater feeling of security to those who wish to walk the former towpath, provides them added interest and improves the scene.

I spend several hours almost every day throughout the year covering the waterway from Duke’s Lock to the city and, having known it closely for the greater part of my 60-odd years, would confirm that the atmosphere when walking the path is far more relaxing and reassuring than during the mostly deserted days of the 1960s and 70s.

Now I view with dismay that a further £150,000 is to be spent in upgrading another stretch of the former towpath to further benefit and increase the speed of cyclists, many of whom are already a significant hazard to other users.

If Oxford has any concern for the survival and usage of its historic waterway, there is a significant number of better ways to spend a total of almost £200,000. However, if the city would prefer a silted, unnavigable channel, with rushes and rubbish bank to bank, it can be easily achieved.

BARRY SLADE, Hawksmoor Road, Oxford