Sir, Like many people I think that, in principle, changing the name of Abingdon to Abingdon-on-Thames is a good idea and will help promote the town as a place to visit. However, I am unclear exactly what is involved, how much it will cost and who would pay.

I believe that there are three options: l 1. To change the “advertising” name, which would presumably mean altering all the signs within the town, signs at the entrances, direction signs on all surrounding roads and encouraging map-makers and sat nav companies to do likewise.

l 2. To alter the “postal” name, which would affect all inhabitants and businesses not only in the town but also in surrounding villages (remember that Milton Park, Marcham, Radley and many other places all have Abingdon in their address).

l 3. To change the “legal” name, which presumably would entail the town council petitioning the privy council to change the charter, all property owners to revise their house deeds and all inhabitants to alter all official documents such as driving licences.

I attended last week’s meeting of Abingdon Town Council hoping to learn which option(s) was being proposed, what the estimated costs would be and, most importantly, who would pay. I was surprised that no briefing note nor details were provided and that 11 councillors proceeded to vote for the proposal, with another five abstaining and three voting against.

Through your column, may I ask the leader of the council to explain which option(s) he plans to follow and what the estimated cost will be to the council, to businesses and to individuals?

Dr Jim Halliday Abbey Close Abingdon