I write in response to your article and editorial of October 5, on the Botley Road and the planned developments for the station.

I strongly endorse Oxford city councillor Colin Cook’s statement that an opportunity has been missed, and as such, in my view, the decisions made have short-changing the current and the future generations of people who live in, work in, and visit our city.

Botley Road is a major arterial road into and out of our city.

Gone are the days when Sebastian Flyte in Brideshead Revisited, found freedom in the Botley Road.

This part of town has real management problems that need intelligent solutions.

The approved design, with all its faults, attempts to provide for an increase in Rail usage, and has got to be applauded. And a substantial amount of money is to be invested, which is good too.

However, real problems remain with the existing proposal. Plus, there is frustration that if such major works are being embarked on, why is now not the time to do the job properly?

These include safety issues for cyclists under the railway bridge – which is something the scheme does not address.

There have been deaths, and people are at risk every day. There is no cycle lane, the road is poorly-maintained and the buckled road surface, drains and sludge dripping down the walls are franky dangerous and unacceptable.

The pedestrian route under the railway bridge constitutes a health hazard.

The roof and walls ooze slime and watery detritus, until it rains, when the same positively gushes.

Recently some of this landed on the head of my two-year-old granddaughter as we made our way into Oxford by foot.

As local people, we have been open and willing to talk to planners about our concerns and work with them to provide a solution worthy of our city.

But Network Rail, in particular, has appeared not to be interested.

I hope, though your columns, that our local views can be reflected more widely and that those who are responsible for drawing up proposals for plans for this area will feel able and willing to talk to us Anne James Barrett Street Oxford (Chairman of West Oxford Matters community planning group)