I, TOGETHER with numerous other local residents, welcome the major upgrading of the Bicester to Oxford railway, in particular since once open again it will alleviate pressure on the A41, and in particular the A34 to Oxford and beyond down to the South Coast.

Those of us who travel regularly on these roads will know that any unfortunate accident, vehicle breakdown or roadworks etc leads to massive congestion issues on these already clogged highways. This can be hugely disruptive, in particular during morning and evening rushhour periods.

I have lived in Bicester for 14 years, and my job necessitates daily commuting from the town to the wider Thames Valley, and on occasions to London. I have always used the train whenever possible, and I plan to resume doing so once the line reopens, as I understand it will in September.

I recently noted that Chiltern Railways is canvassing the possible renaming of both of our railway stations, including therefore the newly revamped Bicester Town facility.

Whilst I understand that Chiltern Railways and indeed the Bicester Village business might have a preference for linking the name of the station to the shopping outlet, there are many excellent local businesses that have been in the town for generations, and in my view it would be wrong to in a sense “sponsor” the name of one of our stations with a business however large and high profile it might be.

I personally take the view that if the name of Bicester Town station is to be changed then Bicester Garden Town has a clean, and refreshing new “ring” to it. It would get my vote. What do the residents of Bicester think about this? Please let Chiltern Railways know your views before it is too late.

Cllr NICK COTTER Independent Bicester Town Council, Bicester Fields Farm/ Langford Village