CAN we, Bicester’s county councillors, state categorically that at this point in time no decision has been made by Oxfordshire County Council regarding the future of the London Road level crossing.

We as councillors are aware that council officers, along with consultants, have been looking at a range of alternative routes into Bicester from the south of the town, should the level crossing become unviable in the future because of increased closure times.

A meeting of all interested parties, including OCC and Cherwell District Council officers, local councillors, and Network Rail was held at the end of September when all the options were discussed and three chosen for a more detailed appraisal.

Once this work has been completed there will be further discussions and a public exhibition/consultation.

As previously stated in your paper and elsewhere our position is quite clear, closure of the London Road crossing without an alternative route into the town from the south is NOT an option.

MICHAEL WAINE, LAWRIE STRATFORD, LES SIBLEY, CATHERINE FULLJAMES, TIM HALLCHURCH
County Councillors for Bicester and surrounding area