Pullman Speaks Out Over Changing Landscape

Author and local-resident Philip Pullman expressed his concern over the way Oxford was changing, warning that it threatened the unique nature of the city.Pullman raised his concerns while lending his support to campaigners protesting against plans to redevelop the Castle Mill Boatyard site in Jericho. The former boatyard site is under threat following plans put forward by Spring Residential to build blocks of flats. Speaking of the boatyard, he commented that it was sites such as these which distinguish the city; the new additions would only add to what he described as the "concrete wasteland" spreading over Oxford."The Covered Market is changing, and Cornmarket is now a street like any other High Street in the country, so it is all the more important we protect little spots like this."People need to protest and make their views heard as soon as possible. Oxford is unique and different to any other city in the world."