There are three entrances to Oxford’s Covered Market on the High Street side, each of which has above it a curved sign that aptly reads: “MARKET MARKET”.

Except that the easternmost one currently displays “ ARKET MAR ET”.

Above that is flying an exceedingly drab Union flag or Jack, as one prefers.

This would be pretty pathetic at any time, but in this potentially make-or-break year for this country, given the Olympics and the Jubilee, I feel that those responsible (presumably Oxford City Council) could make a slightly better effort, notwithstanding the present economic situation, to attract tourists to this historic city – not to mention showing a greater degree of respect to its inhabitants.

DAVID DIMENT, Riverside Court, Oxford