Sir – The current applications for large-scale housing developments will, if approved, change Carterton and the surrounding villages forever, to say nothing of the impact on our already over-congested roads.

Concern among residents is clearly illustrated by the number of letters you have published on this subject.

The forthcoming local elections therefore have increased significance.

We have the opportunity to vote for strong candidates who will stand up and represent our views at West Oxfordshire District Council.

If those candidates win with large majorities, their views have a greater chance of being taken into account.

It is vitally important that we let the council know the strength of local opinion regarding these developments and we have a golden opportunity to do so on Thursday, May 22.

I truly hope there will be a large turnout. This is not a time for apathy.

Keith Beckingham, Manor Road, Brize Norton