Accessibility not Mobility

Sushila Dhall's fronted the Greens opposition to the proposed Westgate development in the city centre for a long time now. Does Oxford need more shops and cars in the centre when what it clearly really needs is affordable housing? And (as Sushila pointed out in a recent residents meeting) that area was originally 'affordable housing'.

I've just realised that in the 18 years I've lived in Oxford I've never been into a single shop in the current Westgate. OK, so I'm a bloke and shopping isn't my thing, but even so . . . In fact, the only times I've ever been into Westgate at all are to go to the management suite to negotiate a busking spot under the canopy during Christian Aid Week.

The Greens have a slogan : "Accessibility not Mobility". Instead of trying to bus people to big shopping centres or out-of-town supermarkets and leisure facilities with massive car parks people need these things within walking distance if at all possible. East Oxford doesn't do too badly, with a wide range of shopping and leisure facilities all within easy walking distance. It's one reason why it's a great place. Let's keep it that way.