Vale Leader’s statement on Botley Road

Cllr Bethia Thomas, Leader of Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “Like many, I’m deeply disappointed with Network Rail’s latest revelation that it will yet again fail to fulfil its promises about Botley Road. This is beyond frustrating for so many of our residents – access to vital services in Oxford has become a significant challenge for many in the Vale, particularly our residents and business owners in Botley, the A420 corridor and the west of the district.

“I know many people who are struggling to go about their daily lives, with simple, usually short journeys to work or school now taking hours. The hardest hit are those with mobility issues who cannot take advantage of the pedestrian routes into Oxford.

“This is the second time Network Rail has moved the goalposts having completely underestimated the scale of the job and managed it poorly, heaping more misery on local people.

“We all appreciate the benefits the improvements will bring, but disruption on this scale must be managed more carefully and competently. 

“Although this work is completely out of the district council’s hands, we will continue to maintain pressure on Network Rail to ensure that the work is completed as swiftly as possible under the circumstances and minimise any further disruption.

“For now, the best advice is to take care, plan ahead, follow the signs and leave extra time for any journeys around Botley. Oxfordshire County Council’s website is a very good source of information for alternative transport and public transport arrangements as well as road work updates.”