SIR - Recently we were informed that some trains, supposedly intended to travel from Paddington to Worcester were, in fact, terminating at Oxford.

Apparently, continuing such services to the Faithful City might have had adverse knock on effects on services between the larger centres.

Clearly the railway moguls regarded Worcester as a back of beyond place, not worth bothering about!

Indeed, it is true that this city of Worcester has declined sadly over the last 50 years. One thinks of all the manufacturing concerns no longer with us - Heenan and Froude, Archdales, Wards, Alley Maclellan, Cinderella, Dent Allcraft and so on. Even historic Royal Porcelain has gone, along with Reality, (formerly Kays) after 200 years in the city.

The fact is, this historic city must develop or die. Having been domiciled here for the whole of my 88 years, I do not wish our city to die. Therefore we must embrace the idea of another 17,000 houses for the city with enthusiasm, not moaning. However the new houses should only be accepted if adequately increased infrastructure is provided as well and also plenty of jobs.

City councillors of all persuasions and our MP, Mike Foster, should demand that this Government and any successor administration, provides inducements for industry and commerce to come to Worcester.

Furthermore, why can we not have the headquarters of a few large companies located in Worcester? Some central government representation, apart from the obligatory local offices, would not go amiss either.

Worcester should aspire to be something more than a mere dormitory for all the surrounding towns.

DE Margrett, Worcester.