THE public inquiry into a new multi-million pound Rail link between Oxford and London will be reopened because of bats.

Chiltern Railways thought the issue of bats in Wolvercot Tunnel had finally been resolved after reaching a deal with Natural England.

But the Department for Transport yesterday announced the public inquiry into the £130m Evergreen 3 scheme would have to be resumed.

In addition to re-examining the risk to bats, the inquiry will look at planning conditions to mitigate noise and vibration and to protect Port Meadow, Trap Grounds and Hook Meadow.

With no date yet for the resumed inquiry, Chiltern said it would have to re-evaluate the project schedule. The company said it was still aiming to open the line in 2014.

It is understood about 10 people who gave evidence at the original inquiry, which started in November 2010, took up their right to get the inquiry reopened, after the inspector withheld approval because of bats and newts in November.

Commuters had been looking forward to a fast Oxford-Bicester-London service within three years of the inquiry.

Rob Brighouse, managing director of Chiltern Railways, said: “Whilst it is disappointing that the inquiry has been reopened, we welcome the opportunity to demonstrate the lengths we have gone to deal with the issues raised and to protect the local environment.”