An official has said an authority's communication around road closures is "unclear" amid plans to limit access to a key highway so that pothole repairs can be carried out.

Bicester councillor Donna Ford has hit out at Oxfordshire County Council for not being "proactive" enough in conveying information to motorists and householders.

The A4421 Wretchwick Way will close from April 29 for approximately three hours daily between 5am and 6pm with an anticipated completion date of May 1.

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Limited access is to be maintained for emergency service vehicles within the closed section of road, subject to progress of the works.

Donna Ford, Conservative county councillor for the Bicester North ward, said: "I think we need to look at advertising things on a more proactive basis rather than just doing what you have to do.

Oxford Mail: Bicester Town Council.Bicester Town Council. (Image: Bicester Town Council.)

"The county council needs to be more proactive and clear in its communication with residents.

"I think the road closures get announced in the printed paper but we need to also look at other ways.

"I have taken it upon myself to pass on the information."

Ms Ford added that a previous closure of Lords Lane in Bicester had not been accompanied with appropriate warning to householders in the area.

"There were signs but they were on the wrong road," she said.

Oxfordshire County Council has said work cannot be carried out in wet conditions.

Although a schedule is in place, dates are not able to be guaranteed.

A spokesman added: "Regularly updated details about the programme, including a map showing where and when the work will be taking place, can be found on Oxfordshire County Council’s website.

"Details about the programme have also been shared on relevant Nextdoor and Facebook groups.

"In the case of Wretchwick Way, we will be making sure advance variable message signs are in place to give the most up to date information as we realise there have been issues with roadworks in and around Bicester."

Oxford Mail: Wretchwick Way.Wretchwick Way. (Image: Newsquest)

The 'surface dressing works' form part of a £7m pound pothole prevention work scheme that has started in Oxfordshire which will see the surfaces of nearly 100 roads improved.

Surface dressing involves chippings being spread on the road after the surface is relaid. 

This seals the road surface to keep out water, one of the major causes of deterioration and potholes.

Wretchwick Way runs to the south east of Bicester and a planning application for a new development was granted for Wretchwick Green in 2018.

The new project will see a 1,500-home Bicester estate plus school, shops, GP surgery and playing fields.