AS a resident of Botley for more than 50 years, I am very anxious and angry about the proposed development of the West Way centre.

Doric, the developers, have often stated that it is “only” the elderly who oppose their plans. They and the council need to realise that elderly does not mean stupid or without rights, or without a vote.

In fact, a majority of local people, old and young, are seriously worried about what will happen.

The West Way centre, together with Elms Parade, is a social hub and not just a collection of shops. Elderly people, like me, can meet in quiet cafes and do our shopping easily in reasonably-sized supermarkets. Everything is on a human scale. Most people agree that the centre needs smartening up, but Doric believe that bigger is always better. They forget that for the elderly, or for mothers with small children, hypermarkets and huge structures are not easy to negotiate.

I am also most concerned about what would happen to the area during construction. For at least two years, they tell us, there will be Portakabins, that house essential shops. In other words, nowhere to meet friends, independent traders going out of business and local people losing their jobs.

In recent years, many people have worked hard to create a real community in Botley, so that now, at the age of 87, I enjoy living here. The council and Doric seem determined to destroy that community for the sake of profit.

JOYCE McLOUGHLIN, Arthray Road, Botley