Sir – The article (February 9) on building bridges for cyclists across the Thames reports that Oxford City Council is expected to adopt the new Community Infrastructure Levy to finance these developments.
The Vale of White Horse District Council should also consider adopting the levy and use it to fund community projects. One such initiative would be the proposed Bike Safe project to build a multi-purpose community path alongside the B4044 road from Oxford and Dean Court to Farmoor and Eynsham.
The Community Infrastructure Levy would replace the so-called section 106 money paid by developers for specified projects. Over the last 10 years the Vale has accumulated enough unspent section 106 money to pay for the community path several times over.
The community path will encourage more people to cycle into Oxford rather than commute by car. It will enable students to cycle safely to Bartholomew School, Eynsham, and visitors to walk to Hill End Field Study Centre without hazards.
Bike Safe is a not-for-profit company which will become a charity. Almost two thousand people have signed a petition of support. A feasibility study funded by a NatWest Community Force award is nearing completion. Now the priority is to raise a significant amount of money to finance the project. The supporters of this community path urge the Vale council to adopt the new Community Infrastructure Levy.
There are fewer restrictions on the levy than section 106 money and in future, unspent levy funds could used to support larger community projects nearby.
Dudley Hoddinott, Liberal Democrat district councillor for Cumnor and Appleton
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here