Witney High Street has been left ‘in limbo’ after being closed motorists, a councillor has claimed, saying fresh public consultation is needed on lifting the ban.

Only buses, taxis, blue badge holders and vehicles loading and unloading have been able to use High Street and Market Place for more than two years since the introduction of measures to enable social distancing in the aftermath of the Covid-19 lockdowns.

Last April, Oxfordshire County Council announced £2 million funding to transform the area, with a chamber of commerce workshop taking place last July.

But Witney Town Council’s offer to use the Corn Exchange for a public meeting to discuss ideas was never taken up.

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Liam Walker, the county council’s shadow cabinet member for highway management, said: “I’m not aware of any progress other than one meeting with the Witney Chamber of Commerce, which was some months ago.

“I understand the council has nearly £2 million to spend on improvements but as yet there is no clear plan or direction as to how this money is going to be spent. 

“Witney High Street is still left in limbo some years after the initial restriction was put in place.

“The local councils need to be working together to decide what they plan to spend the nearly £2 million the county council has for improvements to the town centre on.”

Oxford Mail: There is anger over the banning of traffic in Witney High Street There is anger over the banning of traffic in Witney High Street (Image: Ed Nix)

The closure was introduced in December 2020 and made permanent in December 2021, following a consultation by Oxfordshire County Council.

Some 50 per cent of respondents opposed the closure and a 10 per cent expressed concerns.

He said: “I think there needs to another consultation on the restriction as residents were very split, with over 50 per cent not in favour or having concerns along with 36 out of 37 of the High Street businesses being against.”

He accused the county council of bringing inappropriate traffic measures to Witney like the traffic filters and LTNs intended to reduce traffic levels in Oxford.

He said: “Witney is not like Oxford so the idea of having more anti-motorist restrictions in place is not helpful for both the local economy or the pockets of residents who could get fined.” 

Traders around Market Place – some of whom reported an initial catastrophic drop in trade –said they were pleased.

Henry Mo, of Sandwich de Witney, said: “Councillors keep saying they want to help town centre businesses. The best help would be to restore the high street back to how it was before.”

Duncan Enright, deputy leader of West Oxfordshire District Council and county cabinet member for travel and development strategy, insisted progress was being made and  the Chamber of Commerce would be informed soon of the next steps.

He said: “This spring we will be holding a public exhibition, probably with the Town Council hosting at the Corn Exchange, and continue face-to-face workshops, particularly with groups like the Chamber of Commerce and bus companies. Everyone will have chance to contribute.”

He added that the council was also preparing short-term measures to make junctions safer, clearer and more attractive.

He said: “We need to look to our roots as a market town and create more space for shoppers, bigger markets and more life.

"We also need to avoid returning to poor air quality belching into the faces of shoppers, particularly those in wheelchairs and our kids in buggies at exhaust height.

"Ideas from residents include more seating, outside tables and chairs for pubs and cafes, pavement trading where possible, and bigger, better markets.”

Oxford Mail: Witney High Street Witney High Street (Image: Oxfordshire County Council)

He added: “We all want to see improvements as soon as possible, but first it would be good to plan it properly – based on local views not those of just engineers and planners or, dare I say it, based on councillors from out of town shouting the odds.

“Cllr Walker should concentrate on approving and bringing in the 20mph schemes – which he used to champion for the safer roads they create – which the parish councils he is supposed to represent outside Witney are demanding.”