THE Oxford Mail has published a number of letters recently about the repatriation of dead servicemen from Afghanistan.

Oxfordshire County Council and Thames Valley Police, in consultation with partner organisations, have been working for some time on a new route from RAF Brize Norton to Oxford.

The judgement on the choice of gate from which funeral corteges leave the RAF base was entirely a matter for the Ministry of Defence and the RAF.

Their decision was based on the practicalities of the operational running of the base, a significant part of which is the need to prioritise the air bridgehead to Afghanistan.

The council and police have looked at a range of considerations, with the bereaved families being absolutely paramount.

Impact on public highways, parking and public safety were also considered. All conceivable routes were examined.

The route via Norton Way and Monahan Way was chosen following a consultation in which a wide range of views was received.

There has been comment about the fact that the route does not go through Carterton town centre. The coroner has stated that in order to support the families of the deceased, the shortest route possible from Brize Norton to Oxford should be considered.

This will, where practicable, ensure that the bodies of deceased military personnel can be returned to their families as soon as possible.

The fact that market day in Carterton is on a Thursday, the same day as repatriations take place, was also a factor. Existing parking and transport issues in the town would be exacerbated by the interest in repatriations. This is absolutely no reflection on the market traders, who did not lobby for the route that has been selected.

Many people in Carterton, Brize Norton and other areas will wish to pay their respects. It is hoped that people will be willing to pay those respects regardless of the route chosen.

A memorial garden at Norton Way will form a focal point where family members, dignitaries and the Royal British Legion will gather. There will of course continue to be other spontaneous gatherings along the route to Oxford.

All the partner organisations involved hope that local people will be able to unite behind the chosen route and gather along it to pay their respects, either close to the memorial garden or elsewhere.

Janet Eustace, town clerk, Town Hall, Alvescot Road, Carterton