Urgent Action Required on Long-Stalled Infrastructure Projects

Following the resignation of Cllr Andrew Gant as Cabinet Member for Transport, I am moving quickly to ensure that critical infrastructure projects in West Oxfordshire do not fall through the cracks during the leadership transition.

Cllr Gant has been succeeded in the Transport portfolio by Cllr Rebekah Fletcher. In light of this change, a formal request has been sent to Cllr Fletcher to break the administrative deadlock surrounding several high-priority safety and surfacing projects in the Curbridge and Witney divisions.

Cllr Thomas Ashby on Thorney Leys where the road needs resurfacing

Prioritising Pedestrian Safety in Witney

One of the most pressing issue presented involves the long-delayed pedestrian crossings on Deer Park Road. Despite over £600,000 in developer funding being secured, the project has stalled due to internal legal and procurement disputes regarding liability insurance.

"The ongoing development in West Witney has increased traffic volumes to a level where many families feel it is unsafe for children to walk or cycle to school,"

"This scheme is an absolute priority. We need these crossings in place as soon as possible, to ensure the safety of ever increasing young people travelling to school and connecting with the rest of Witney."

Addressing Infrastructure Delays in Witney, Curbridge & Ducklington

In addition to the Witney crossings, the new Cabinet Member has been asked to provide immediate timelines for several deteriorating sites in Curbridge and Ducklington:

• A4095 Road Surfacing: While minor dressing was completed recently, the most degraded stretch, between the Lord Kitchener pub and the former Grey Gables garage, remains untouched despite being flagged on the OCC Highways Portal.

• Starnham Road: Significant subsidence between Curbridge and Ducklington have prompted a request for an urgent safety inspection and remedial plan.

• Traffic Calming: While funding is secured for speed humps on Well Lane, progress has been slow. A specific implementation timeline has been requested to provide residents with clarity.

• Parking: Parking on the junction of the Curbridge Road and Main Road is becoming an increasing problem, which has been highlighted for some action by the new Cabinet Member.

• Thorney Leys: The main road through Thorney Leys has been a disgrace for many years now. We need some tangible dates for when we can expect some proper road surfacing on the estate.

  
  

A Call for Tangible Progress

The transition in leadership marks a pivotal moment for Oxfordshire’s transport strategy. I am seeking a commitment from Cllr Fletcher to move past "administrative delays" and deliver the tangible improvements that residents have been promised.

"I have reached out to Cllr Fletcher early in her tenure to ensure these issues are at the top of her briefing pack".

"The community in West Witney, Curbridge and Ducklington has been patient, but we are no longer seeing the progress required. I look forward to receiving an update soon and working with the Cabinet Member where required, to ensure our vital infrastructure projects are delivered."

Working all year round - please get in touch

As always, I am available all year round, so if you need any support, please do get in touch - thomas.ashby@oxfordshire.gov.uk