PART of Walton Street should be pedestrianised when a new Jericho Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN) is created, locals have said.

The Jericho Low Traffic Neighbourhood group has revealed its vision to reduce traffic in the area and wants to work with Oxfordshire County Council to implement the plans.

Its ideas include pedestrianising Walton Street between Jericho Health Centre and Juxon Street and creating four ‘modal filters’ to block vehicles.

Last Thursday, the council’s cabinet member for environment, Yvonne Constance, refused recommendations to reopen the road, which will remain shut until an LTN has been 'design, consulted on and funded'.

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The community group started forming its plans for Jericho back in January and its chair, Jamie Hartzell, has already written to Ms Constance.

He said: “Any decision is ultimately the council’s, but we think we can play quite a significant role.

“We can bring our own ideas, engage the community and make sure they’re represented.

“I really think it’s the way forward and hopefully the council seize this opportunity.”

Last week, the group published its latest proposals for the LTN, which would be bordered by Beaumont Street to the south, Woodstock Road to the east, the Oxford Canal to the west and Polstead Road to the north.

Oxford Mail:

An artists' impression of Walton Street

The four 'modal filters' would be located near the health centre in Walton Street, next to The Rickety Press pub in Cranham Terrace, in Allam Street at the junction with Juxon Street and in Little Clarendon Street.

Oxford Mail:

An artists' impression of Little Clarendon Street

Meanwhile, a 'school street' scheme would be introduced outside St Barnabas C of E Primary School in Hart Street.

This measure would close roads outside school gates to cars during school pick-up and drop-off times, making it easier for pupils to walk and cycle.

Oxford Mail:

An artists' impression of Cranham Terrace

Spokesperson Jonathan Sayers said the county council did not yet have a draft plan for the LTN's layout, but promised there would be consultation events.

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The scheme was part of the council's £2.38m bid for the second round of the government's Emergency Active Travel grant, which was submitted last week.

Oxford's first LTN, in Cowley, is set to be introduced in the coming weeks and was included in the first tranche of funding.