A GOOD deal of concern has been expressed about the effects of the Oxford Half Marathon on October 11.

I share the view that more could have been done to engage with those affected by the new route.

I’m not against the event: far from it. I ran in it last year, and will be this year (for the wonderful Community Heartbeat Trust).

The atmosphere is terrific, charities benefit, and the route did need rethinking. Some disruption is inevitable.

But the organisers and their political overseers have not been quick enough off the mark at maintaining the goodwill of those affected.

Some colleges, churches, schools and residents on the route were contacted in good time, others were not. Issues around “land-locking” have been addressed late in the day, if at all. Information has not always been satisfactory – the latest flyer contained contradictory information about the closure of Banbury Road through Summertown, an error repeated in the press. This doesn’t help traders trying to decide if it’s worth opening that day. I hope the event will be a positive experience for the city overall. I would urge residents and others to get out there and enjoy it. But there will be plenty of people who don’t see it like that, with some justification.

They must be included, and listened to, in a timely and comprehensive review and in looking again at all aspects for the future, including the route.

ANDREW GANT
Liberal Democrat City Councillor for Summertown Ward, Middle Way, Oxford