A new consultation has launched to improve cycle and walking infrastructure in Didcot and the surrounding areas.

Residents can suggest where better cycle and walking routes are needed on an interactive map and can leave comments and upload photos to the consultation.

Their feedback will be used to inform a Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan in Didcot.

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The plan aims to reduce car use, improve people’s health and wellbeing, and increase connectivity for residents and businesses in Didcot.

It also applies to Milton, Steventon, Harwell, Upton, West Hagbourne, East Hagbourne, Blewbury, South Moreton, North Moreton, Little Wittenham, Chilton, Long Wittenham, Appleford, Culham, Clifton Hampden and Sutton Courtenay.

The cycle and walking plan is part of the wider Didcot Garden Town Delivery Plan – which is being worked on by the South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils.

The plan aims to help “improve the lives of residents” by looking at how to “improve community spaces, public walkways and cycling networks”.

Didcot was first awarded ‘garden town’ status in 2015 by the Government, endorsing the delivery of 15,000 new jobs and 20,000 new homes in the area.

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Cllr Robin Bennett, cabinet member for economic development and regeneration at South Oxfordshire District Council, said: “This consultation is a vital step forward in our plans to create safer cycle and walking routes for residents across the Didcot Garden Town area. 

“We’re confident that with proper, safe infrastructure, many more of us will feel safe to use our bikes or to walk instead of using the car.

“This is plan is the vital first step towards that and will help us to secure funds to build new routes and improve existing ones.”

Cllr Judy Roberts, cabinet member for development and infrastructure at Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “The people who live in Didcot and the surrounding villages have the best knowledge of what already works, what needs improvement and areas that can by identified for new routes.

“The deadline is very close, so I encourage anyone who wants to have a say to get involved. The interactive map allows people to enter their details when convenient to them. “

The deadline for feedback on the consultation is 11.59pm on March 19 and details can be found on the Didcot Garden Town latest news page of the South Oxfordshire District Council website.

After this feedback has been gathered there will be another consultation later this year where the public will be given the opportunity to comment on specific designs, locations, and proposed improvements for the area.