Sir – I remain mystified and rather aghast as to why Cherwell District Council has removed the tiniest character-inducing feature in Kidlington's undistinguished precinct.

The wooden bus shelter outside Tesco; plant holders and central gazebo (complete with weather-vane fish) gave the place the tiniest bit of charm which has been extinguished by (no doubt) more expensive but cheerless glass/aluminium furniture. I do not feel Kidlington has been blessed aesthetically by these changes.

R Lewis Kidlington