Oxford businesses and councillors considering legal action over Botley Road
The project is now expected to be completed in August 2026
We’re hearing businesses and councillors in Oxford are considering taking legal action over the Botley Road closure, following Friday's announcement that it is expected to remain closed until August next year.
Tom Rainey, 54, owns two restaurants close to Botley Road, called The Porterhouse Grill & Rooms and The Punter, says many businesses are starting to consider legal action.
“There are people who can't pay their mortgages”
Mr Rainey says, “I believe a lot of the traders will get behind the legal action, but there are definitely talks over the weekend between certain businesses about starting to look into putting some funds together for legal action”
Mr Rainey also says that he is “angered” by the new completion date whilst “some people are very upset”.
“Most people are very angry with the lack of assistance that businesses are getting. There are businesses at meetings who are in tears and there are people who can't pay their mortgages. There are businesses that have shut, and more businesses will shut”, he said.
He added: "People are forgetting we exist. So, not only is this got an immediate effect on a loss of turnover, but even when we reopen, we've now got a long-term effect of rebuilding on our businesses, which we've built up a reputation for over the years.”
“It's annoying, it's very inconvenient and it's catastrophic”
Some Green Party councillors are also considering taking legal action over the “depressing” Botley Road project.
They are calling on the council to consider at a legal action and opening a public inquiry at a meeting today, as they want to hold Network Rail to account of the new completion date.
Lois Muddiman, Green councillor for Osney & St Thomas, submitted the motion and says, “I'd like to hold Network Rail to account. I think the threat of legal action held over network rails head might be useful in itself, just to make sure that they stick to their deadline.”
She added: “I live just off the Botley Rd and I we're all feeling disbelief and frustration.
“It's annoying, it's very inconvenient and it's catastrophic if you are less mobile and you can't manage the walk.
“You have to take the bus and get dropped off near the community centre and it's a 500-metre walk through the ‘Tunnel of Doom’ as the locals call it.
“So, if you're dependent on the bus because you're disabled or you have mobility issues or you can't drive, then then you just can't get into the centre of Oxford.”
“We’re extremely sorry”
On Friday’s announcement, Network Rail’s Western Route’s Managing Director, Marcus Jones, said: “We’re extremely sorry for the impact the road closure is having on the people of Oxford.
“This is an incredibly complex project, involving multiple organisations, which has faced a number of significant challenges, but we understand the anger and frustration the delays to this project have caused.
“Our review has scrutinised every aspect of the programme, and with the utility diversions now well advanced, we’re confident the revised plan is deliverable.”