JOAN Clanchy, a governor at SS Mary and John Primary School, is right that the work on Iffley Road will ultimately be worth it.

Let’s not kid ourselves. Seventy weeks of pain is coming the way of motorists and traders down this main route, but it is long overdue.

Much of the road is in a terrible state and has been dubbed “the most neglected in Oxfordshire”.

The plans show a lot of overdue improvements and a new crossing for the school is much-needed.

The school has been pressing for one for more than seven years, and it is certainly an opportunity to safeguard the pupils.

Motorists will complain about the delays and there will be extensive problems.

But you have to take the wider view on the scheme.

Recall, if you will, the problems caused by the extensive roadworks down Abingdon Road more than five years ago.

That was a nightmare for motorists but, ultimately, the county council handled the project well and it now flows as well as it can at most times.

Traders, keeping in mind the complaints of contemporaries elsewhere, will be dreading the coming 70 weeks.

All we can do is urge the county to ensure any ramifications will be kept to a minimum.