Bicester MP to debate Ministers over East West Rail
Calum Miller says residents fear the closure of the London Road crossing would cut the town in two.
A debate is to be held in the House of Commons today over the closure of a road crossing in Bicester as part of East West Rail.
Calum Miller, Liberal Democrat MP for Bicester and Woodstock, has secured a debate in the House of Commons this evening (Wednesday 11th December) on the prospective closure of the London Road crossing in Bicester.
These plans were revealed last month, when the East West Rail consultation was launched. Following that development, Mr Miller launched a petition to keep London Road open, which has been signed by hundreds of people.
A public consultation was helfd in in Bicester (21st November), where constituents conveyed their frustration and anger with the developers and a lack of real engagement.
After securing the debate, Calum Miller said he wants to “continue to hear from constituents about their views on the prospective closure”.
Calum Miller MP said:
“The proposed closure of London Road crossing has been a real kick in the teeth to many of my constituents. This road is a vital artery in our town and the prospective closure would leave residents facing longer journeys, more congestion and a divided town.
“The frustration is that governments since 2012 have known this was an issue but have failed to act. I have been working to keep the pressure on, reflecting the concerns of local residents and organisations. The fact they are now proposing a solution for pedestrians and cyclists is progress. But we now need to keep the pressure up to get a solution for car users. I will continue to press Ministers in Parliament.
“I have secured this debate so ministers can hear directly about my constituents’ concerns and that the need for an adequate solution is urgent. Bicester’s residents have been let down by successive Governments and I look forward to engaging with ministers to find a positive solution for local residents.”