Campaigners are ‘exhausted, angry and feel powerless’ to Botley Road closure
Botley Road has been closed since April 2023
Local residents in Oxford are feeling “exhausted, Angry, but completely powerless” by the impacts of the Botley Road closure, in a new report.
The main road into the city has been closed under the rail bridge since April 2023 because of a £161m Network Rail scheme.
The near 40-page document, entitled 'Network Hell', includes personal statements from local residents has been published outlining their frustrations and calling for change.
Julian Le Vay written the document after speaking to residents and businesses affected, who says, “some of their lives have been very strictly constrained and limited”.
“Exhausted, Angry, but completely powerless”
Mr Le Vay said: “One woman said she can't get to her GP or hospital, can't get to see her friends, can't go to cinema, shops, and can't even get the station which is on the other side from us.
“So, these are people whose lives are quite different as a result of the closure.”
Campaigners are calling for:
• Urgent reopening of the road
• Financial help for small businesses
• Practical help for the disabled and elderly
• An independent inquiry
Oxford West and Abingdon MP, Layla Moran, wrote in the foreword of the report: “This project has laid bare the complete lack of accountability and transparency in many of our institutions. For too long residents’ worries and anger fell on deaf ears, with no access to the real decision makers at Network Rail or the Department for Transport.”
It’s reported the final completion date is set to be announced by the 25th of January.
Mr Le Vay said: “We feel exhausted, Angry, but completely powerless.”
‘We apologise for the ongoing inconvenience’
He added: "This report we’ve published is an attempt really to get our voice heard by those who are responsible, and if we achieve nothing else, we want to force them to recognise what they have done to people.”
The Department for Transport has said: “We understand the frustration caused by the closure of Botley Road and recognise the impact on local residents, businesses, and visitors to Oxford. This work, part of the Oxford Station upgrade, will create a safer, more accessible road layout for buses, cyclists and pedestrians.
"We've asked Network Rail for a clear plan to complete the works as quickly as possible, and we'll provide residents and stakeholders with clarity on next steps shortly.”
A spokesperson for Oxfordshire County Council said: “While we share the frustrations of the residents and businesses affected by this continued closure and delayed reopening, questions about the project itself can only be addressed by Network Rail.”
Network Rail says, “We understand how frustrating this delay is to local businesses and residents and understand their concerns.
“We know how important Botley Road is to Oxford and apologise for the ongoing inconvenience. We are working out the best way forward and will continue to engage with the local community as our plans develop.
“We regularly communicate with businesses, as well as with residents and stakeholders, and welcome any feedback on the project.”