AT a time where local authorities pay obsessive lip service to the idea of consultation, the botched closure of Oxford’s Walton Street was beyond bizarre.

The thoroughfare – the key route into Jericho – had been closed for roadworks. But when those works were completed, Oxfordshire County Council, with no mandate, little warning, and with complete disregard for democracy, simply left the barriers in place.

Read story: Walton Street barrier to go – at last

Since then a shoddy, ugly plastic barrier at the Worcester Street has blocked traffic, to the dismay of many residents and business owners in Jericho. Some, however, loved it for understandable reasons.

The whole thing, however, looked botched and amateur and divided the community, turning neighbour against neighbour. It was blamed by some shopkeepers for fatally damaging trade – as one would expect by a loss of through-traffic. And while traffic was dramatically slashed in lower Walton Street, people living elsewhere suffered greater congestion and rat-running than before.

Now, 20 months later, the barrier is to be removed.

Finally, the council is to consult on a new proposal.

Let’s hope that, unlike the last time, this is a REAL consultation and that they listen to the results.

Somehow, however, we suspect that despite people's views, the decision has already been made.... again.