Sir – There must be many citizens of Oxford besides myself and not a few of our visitors who would sympathise with Beryl Addison’s plea (August 4) that Oxford shouldn’t become a theme park.

I fear, however, that she may be too late — it has already happened!

Several years ago, I had a letter published in The Oxford Times warning that ever-increasing crowds of tourists would damage the attractiveness of the city.

In response, I was told that it was wonderful to see all these young people enjoying themselves, that the crowds that year were exceptional and that these swarms of tourists generated significant revenue.

I still think that it is a mistake to allow Oxford to be turned into a holiday playground for huge crowds of young people.

Their numbers have grown to intolerable levels. We may be paying a hidden penalty for failing to regulate what is essentially day-tripping.

If the word really gets round that Oxford is grossly overcrowded for much of the year, how many Beryl Addisons will be deterred? That must surely have financial implications.

Whoever has the brief for tourism in Oxford needs to face up these deteriorating circumstances.

Failing any resolute response from that quarter (and the response to my last appeal leaves little room for optimism), is there anyone who will take up the challenge and mount a campaign to reclaim Oxford?

Tony Cross, Oxford