PASSENGERS using Ascott-under-Wychwood station are being warned they will need to arrive early to make sure that they can catch trains into Oxford from next week.

For the first time since 1971, the station will boast two platforms when the line reopens on Monday. In future, trains towards Oxford will depart from the platform at the far side of the level crossing from the village. This will mean passengers need to be across the tracks about five minutes before the 7.44am weekday service to Oxford is due.

Network Rail deputy local operations manager Ivan Johnson said: “Once a train has reached Bruern, three miles north, the signaller has to set the route for it through Ascott and the level crossing barriers will go down across the road, so that the signals up the line can tell the train drivers that the crossing is clear for them.”

David Northey, Network Rail’s redoubling project manager, said: ”We’re writing to every household in Ascott to let them know about the change and asking them to allow a little extra time to get to the station.”