MIDDLE Street between Oddington and Islip will be closed for five weeks over the school summer holidays due to work to replace a bridge. Oxfordshire County Council said that the road will be shut between July 22 and August 26 with diversions signposted in Beckley, Horton-cum-Studley and Murcott.

Closures will pave the way for improvements including the total replacement of the bridge over Gallos Brook on the outskirts of Islip, and road edge reconstruction east of the bridge.

County councillor Tim Hallchurch said the bridge was in desperate need of replacing because it had been in an unacceptable condition for “many years.”

The Otmoor representative added: “The bridge has been in a bad state for a number of years and it needs replacing.

“I am very relieved, although I do feel sorry for the residents of Oddington because to get to Oxford they will have to go a different route.”

Residents affected by the work, which will take place between Islip and the first junction with Oddington, will be directly informed.

Council spokesman Paul Smith said that land and property owners could still have access from the Oddington end of the road closure.

The council will also ensure that access will be kept for pedestrians and cyclists.

Mr Smith said: “Following discussions with the landowner and tenant, the provision for pedestrians and cyclists will include a short section of surfaced footpath with a stream crossing, temporarily constructed on land to the north side of the bridge works. This will follow the hedge parallel to the road.”