THE growing community dissatisfaction at proposals to put buses through the pedestrian zone outside the Cornerstone Arts Centre in Didcot has gone up a notch as it becomes apparent who was behind the proposed plan.

It has emerged that the proposal has been driven by bus companies who operate services to Abingdon and Oxford. The operators don’t want to use the Jubilee roundabout because of concerns it may cause slight delays to their timetables.

Oxford Mail:

Residents of Station Road angry at proposals to turn their road into a two-lane bus route 

Instead of adjusting their timetables, they have conveyed a desire to cause disruption to the cafe culture of Didcot which has emerged over the past few years.

Whilst the bus companies are pushing, South Oxfordshire district councillors remain firmly against the proposal but seem to have their hands tied by the commercial operators.

SODC councillors, both currently in post and those candidates who are standing in the up-and-coming election, have conveyed their opposition to the plans to re-open the pedestrian area to through traffic, which may ultimately include taxis as well as the buses outlined in the plans.

Today’s letters

No analysis of traffic flows, travel times or user desire for the proposed plan has been carried out to date.

This means the current proposal to put buses through the centre of Didcot has been suggested without any evidence base.

The decision seems to be based upon the historic use of Station Road as a bus route rather than considering the current environment, usage and wider community.

Concerns have been raised about safety of pedestrians, environmental impacts and restrictions to access points within the pedestrian zone.

Local business owners have expressed concerns over the impact this may have upon their businesses, particularly those who have outdoor seating areas and large numbers of young patrons.

The council’s own Cornerstone Arts Centre will be heavily impacted by the plan and volunteers have raised fears that they will no longer be able to utilise the outdoor events area.

JENNY WILSON

Station Road

Didcot