YOUR article about Mick Haines, the one-man campaigner in Marston (Oxford Mail, January 3) wrongly implies that Marston has been left behind.

This is far from the truth and is an insult to the many local people who have worked together for improvements in Marston recently.

Here are a few examples for Mick: l New pre-school building at St Michael’s School after years of work by parents, staff and governors; l New pitches for Marston Saints Football Club, thanks to hard work by the club, city council and outside funders; l New play equipment at Mortimer Hall play area, thanks to local group FOOMPA and parish council; l Refurbished William Street Scout hut, thanks to local residents and city council. Despite fierce opposition from Mick, this building now hosts lots of activities for all sections of the community.

As city councillors, we are privileged to work with committed local people and know that teamwork is the key.

We’re not complacent and realise that more needs to be done. While petitions play an important part in local democracy, lots of signatures don’t always achieve their goal.

Mick’s petitions on the Headington subway and on the Tesco application failed.

Perhaps he ought to join forces with one of the groups in Marston, rather than complain from the sidelines?

There will be teams out in Marston for OxClean on March 3. Will you come and join us, Mick?

MARY CLARKSON and BEVERLEY HAZELL (Cllrs), Marston Ward, Oxford City Council