Traders will stage Botley Road protest when rail minister visits Oxford

Lord Hendy has been warned he will "be walking into trouble if he comes to Oxford empty-handed" as traders demand clarity on when the works will be completed after months of uncertainty.  There have been repeated delays with a GBP161m scheme to improve the rail station which led to the closure of the key city route at the rail bridge in April last year. In July, Network Rail said a series of delays with the scheme meant they would not be able to reopen Botley Road as planned in October.

READ MORE: Public to have say on traffic measures [1] The rail company said a review of the entire project would be conducted in conjunction with contractors Kier and the Department for Transport. (Image: Oxford Mail) Now Lord Hendy has told Oxford West and Abingdon MP Layla Moran in a meeting that he will visit the city in January to provide an update on the work schedule.

Meanwhile, traders who say their businesses have been harmed by the closure of Botley Road are planning to lobby the minister. Amanda Suliman-Bell, of Rainbow & Spoon boutique, complained earlier this year that footfall at her shop fell 90 per cent when Network Rail rerouted a walkway, taking customers to the opposite side of Frideswide Square. Speaking this week, she said: "We were planning a protest in the square for January 11 but when we know the date of Lord Hendy's visit we will coincide it with that so it has more impact.

"It's not just me - shops and businesses across west Oxford and other parts of the city have been badly affected by the Botley Road closure. (Image: Oxford Mail) "When Lord Hendy visits I expect him to say something concrete and provide a finish date for the project and a date for the reopening of Botley Road." Julian Le Vay, of residents' group West Oxford Access, has been collecting statements from businesses, and residents with mobility issues, which are being compiled in a book to be published in advance of Lord Hendy's visit.

Mr Le Vay said: "Lord Hendy will be walking into trouble if he comes here empty-handed. "We don't want just another Network Rail plan - we want the minister to ensure dates are met for the reopening of Botley Road, we want compensation for businesses, and we want an inquiry." (Image: PA) On Tuesday, Ms Moran met Lord Hendy and Network Rail CEO Andrew Haines to discuss the redevelopment of Oxford station and the ongoing closure of Botley Road.

Local business owners report they are experiencing up to a 60 per cent drop in income, she said. She added that Network Rail apologised in the meeting for their mismanagement of the project. The rail company has been faced with numerous hold-ups, including the discovery of a Victorian arch under the road, as well as difficulties diverting utility cables.

Ms Moran said she pressed those present on the issues facing local businesses, accessibility for those with mobility issues, and the anger and frustration of all local residents. The minister confirmed the government's commitment the project, and assured her he would travel to Oxford in January to meet with key stakeholders and provide a timeline for the works going forwards. READ MORE: MP presses rail minister on station plans [2]

Ms Moran said following the meeting: "The main message from Network Rail and the Minister was 'sorry'. But frankly that is the least they could say. "Our local community has endured this serious disruption for far too long, and the end is not yet in sight.

"I am pleased Network Rail are acknowledging their failings, and reiterated their commitment to the project." The MP added: "I pressed hard on the need for support for local businesses, many of whom are struggling and some of whom have already gone under. "With the second Christmas of disruption fast approaching, extra support is sorely needed.

"Network Rail have demonstrated utterly shambolic project management from start to finish, and residents have lost all faith in them to deliver this project. "It is up to them now to convince our community they have a credible plan to get this project finished." (Image: Network Rail) Oxfordshire county councillor John Howson said improvements at Oxford station, particularly the creation of a new platform, were vital for East West Rail connections, with trains due to start running between Oxford and Milton Keynes by 2025.

He added: "The pressure is on for the Department for Transport, which has a whole raft of half-finished rail schemes and a Chancellor saying' I need to cut back public expenditure'." In September, Lord Hendy wrote to council leaders in Oxford to say he was "acutely aware" of the disruption caused by the Botley Road closure. He assured the councils his officials would "press Network Rail closely as it continues to produce a robust plan for completion of the Botley Road bridge works and the wider Oxford station enhancement project".

The Department for Transport said it was too soon to confirm Lord Hendy's visit. Network Rail declined to comment. Help support trusted local news 

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About the author  Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here. [4]

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References

1. ^ READ MORE: Public to have say on traffic measures  (www.oxfordmail.co.uk)
2. ^ READ MORE: MP presses rail minister on station plans  (www.oxfordmail.co.uk)
3. ^ oxfordmail.co.uk/subscribe  (www.oxfordmail.co.uk)
4. ^ can sign up to his newsletters for free here.  (www.oxfordmail.co.uk)