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The decision to remove one of the last major obstacles to the £330m redevelopment of the Westgate Centre in Oxford will be widely welcomed.

The Government has given the go-ahead to the compulsory purchase orders on the land needed for the scheme.

Now, at last, we hope work can start in earnest.

We know there were protests about the plans, but they came from a vocal minority.

As is often the case, the voice of the thousands of people who want to see Oxford thrive as a commercial centre went unheard.

They were happy to go along with city councillors, who have been enthusiastic about the proposals from the start.

The truth is that Oxford has fallen well behind neighbouring towns in bringing itself into the 21st century.

While competitors have pressed ahead with redevelopment plans and are flourishing, Oxford has dithered.

Unless it moves swiftly, it risks losing out even more to its rivals.

No doubt there will be wholesale disruption while work on such a major scheme is in progress.

But the prize will be that Oxford will finally compete with the best shopping centres for miles around.

That can only bring prosperity to us all.

7:10am Thursday 1st May 2008

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