The further delay announced today is bitterly disappointing for residents and businesses in Oxford, particularly those in West Oxford and Botley who have been so severely impacted by the works. This has taken too long already.
"I welcome Lord Hendy’s active involvement in driving things towards a resolution and his willingness to come to Oxford today to meet and hear from the people most affected. I was able today to raise again the many justified complaints that local people have directly with those in charge of the project. I asked for improvements in access to the west of the station, better stewarding of the pedestrian tunnel, an issue I have raised on a number of occasions, and in light of previous broken promises on timelines, was clear over the importance of keeping to the latest opening date.
"The redevelopment of Oxford Station is essential and will bring real long-term benefits to the city. Without it, proposals to reopen the Cowley Branch Line to passengers or increase the capacity on East-West rail services will not be feasible.
"Now that we have renewed plans and a revised timeline, it is essential that we see real progress in the months ahead to rebuild public confidence in this important infrastructure development. It was welcome that Lord Hendy was clear that Network Rail needed to improve their communication with local residents and businesses and that their commitment to do so was given."
Councillor Susan Brown, Leader of Oxford City Council
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