Calls have been made for the Government to ‘commit’ to reopening the railway station in Grove and to make funding available for the project.


Vale of White Horse District Council stated on its website that the station, which would serve people living and working in Grove, Wantage and the surrounding area, has been ‘long campaigned for by the local community’. 
But the authority feels progress on the project is being delayed by the government ‘failing to provide the necessary funding’.


Following a motion agreed at the full council meeting, leader Emily Smith has written to the government to request that the project is included in the next round of grants that will be provided to help develop proposals for new stations. 
In her letter, she asked that the Secretary of State for Transport Grant Shapps commits to delivering the station as soon as possible.
Cllr Smith said: “I know people in the Vale have called for a station to support Grove and Wantage for many years and it is an area which is crying out for improved public transport to benefit those living and working there.


“With the significant number of new homes already being built in the area, along with new businesses and employment opportunities, we urgently need to see government backing for this project. 
“Delaying things further will result in more cars on our roads.  This will have a negative impact on people’s health and wellbeing, and potentially damage local efforts to tackle the climate emergency.”


The council believes the station would support its priorities of tackling the climate emergency and building healthy communities. 
As well as creating new transport opportunities and greater accessibility for the area, the investment in rail would play an essential part in reducing carbon emissions from transport, reducing dependence on cars, and improving air quality in the local area. 


In June 2021, the Oxfordshire Rail Corridor Study demonstrated that, on the basis of new housing being built or being planned for in the area, and emerging proposals for further employment growth, including the Williams Technology Campus, a station at Grove/Wantage would be justified by 2028.
Vale of White Horse District Council said it will continue to make the case for Grove Station at the Ox-Cam Arc meetings, and in conversations with the district’s two Members of Parliament, Layla Moran (Oxford West & Abingdon) and David Johnston (Wantage).