Calls to turn the empty Debenhams store in Oxford Street into a library

• HOWEVER much I am enjoying walking through the quiet and peaceful West End, like many others I am very worried about the economy, and in particular retail jobs.

Oxford Street really does need more that a green hill and a few more trees to be able to return to its former vibrancy.

The discussion in your pages is interesting and the future use of the large department stores now leaving should be approached with “bold reimagining”, a phrase I just heard used by the leader of Newcastle City Council. It’s one our own Conservative council should take on board.

Museums, arts and crafts, libraries all could play a significant role in reinvigorating the central area. It is time the council looked beyond large empty glass towers of luxury apartments and offices and imagined a different use of urban space that meets the needs of local people and attracts visitors.

LINDA HARDMAN
Marylebone Road, NW1