I READ the report (Oxford Mail, November 15) regarding the new Westgate Shopping Centre being the downfall of other parts of the city centre, according to retail experts.

Cornmarket is beginning to look a mess as some fashion shops have now moved out, which has left empty units. Added to this, there are many homeless people in this street who sit and lay in the shop doorways who I see daily as I walk through Oxford. So what on earth do the council and police intend to do about this problem?

I do sympathise with the plight of the homeless, but am amazed that something hasn’t been done about it to date. I recently witnessed a fierce argument between two men over a large sheet of cardboard which presumably they wanted to sleep on or wanted to use as a blanket. As usual, not a police officer or PCSO to be seen anywhere, unlike years ago when there were always police in central Oxford.

So, yes, it looks shabby at the moment, but there is something that can be done. Clean up the shop doorways, that would be a start!

STUART COOPER
Watermill Way, Headington