Sir – The antics of Mike Pritchard’s Andalucian coachman with his plastic bag (Letters, November 10) amazed me, unless of course he had an ulterior motive.

In the London of my childhood, milk and coal were still commonly delivered by horse-drawn vehicles, and householders were delighted to find a steaming pile of manure in the road outside, so much valued for growing roses.

Mr Pritchard’s word ‘droppings’ applies more to pigeon produce and such, valuable only when amassed as matured guano.

I would suggest that anyone who doubts the suitability of horse-drawn carriages for the Oxford scene should go to Bruges, where they make an invaluable addition to the historic charm.

I would like to see a regular service along Merton Street, Catte Street and Holywell, all of which would be enhanced by the horses and their products, which are so valuable for prolonging the life of the planet too.

Roger Moreton, Oxford