Sir – Of the many people who use the footpath over the railway bridge into Port Meadow from Aristotle Lane only a few will have bothered to stop and read the notices insecurely stapled to the fence.

These notices set out an outline of Chiltern Railways’ plans to acquire rights over that footpath, the track from Walton Well Road across the Meadow towards Burgess Field, and an area of land.

The area of land includes the part of the meadow between the footpath and the allotments, the ditch (or drain), and part of the allotment enclosure.

The more recent of the two notices, dated October 14, gives notice of a public inquiry to be opened at 10am on November 2 in the Conference Centre, Park End Street, Oxford, OX1 1JD.

From further information from local councillors, it seems that the public inquiry is likely to last six weeks and will consider the whole of the Chiltern Railway proposals. There will be substantial opposition from bodies including the city council and English Nature.

It is to be hoped that the plans will be clarified during the inquiry and that if any rights relating to Port Meadow are acquired by the railway they will guarantee:

  • Continuation of uninterrupted access for pedestrians, joggers and cyclists from Aristotle Lane and Walton Well Road
  • Minimal use of the track from Walton Well Road
  • Preservation of hedgerows and ditches/drains and general visual features
  • No disturbance to wintering migrant birds.

While the proposed new rail route promises benefits to the city, it would seem advisable for members of the public who care about the meadow to become informed about the proposals and to make those contributing to the inquiry aware of their concerns.

N. L. Gregory, Oxford