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ITEM TIC12 - ANNEX 5

TRANSPORT IMPLEMENTATION COMMITTEE –
27 NOVEMBER 2003

A POSSIBLE NEW FOOT/CYCLE BRIDGE CROSSING OF THE RIVER THAMES AT BABLOCK HYTHE

Views of Local Councils and Councillors on Proposed New Foot/Cycle Bridge Crossing

County Councillor Harry Wyatt - Eynsham

Councillor Wyatt is more than happy to support the bridge as it will reinstate the river crossing that for many years was a ferry.

County Councillor Brian Hook – Cumnor

Councillor Hook echoes the concerns of people living in Eaton about traffic. He suggests that a bridge at Bablock Hythe may erode some of the area’s individuality and charm. He recognises that whilst the bridge could be of benefit to cyclists it would disadvantage local residents. Councillor Hook’s conclusion is that it is impossible to make any sensible judgement on the bridge without some sort of feasibility study of the alternatives, particularly Skinner’s Bridge.

West Oxfordshire District Council

At WODC’s Cabinet Meeting on 10 September 2003, the Cabinet decided to support the principle of the proposed National Cycle Network route, including the new pedestrian/cycle bridge at Bablock Hythe. The Cabinet considered there to be no appropriate alternatives to the proposed route.

Vale of the White Horse District Councillor John Woodford

Believes that the route commends itself as the most direct westward link for cyclists and walkers.

Vale of the White Horse District Councillor Harry Dickinson

Fully supportive of the proposals for the new cycle and footbridge.

West Oxfordshire District Councillor Brenda Smith

Confirmed that the views and concerns which have been expressed to her indicate that, overall, a bridge would be most welcome.

Whilst appreciating the concerns of Eaton residents, she does feel that Bablock Hythe is the logical place for this crossing, and also reported that Northmoor residents appear to favour the Bablock Hythe crossing as being beneficial to the residents of that Parish.

West Oxfordshire District Councillor James Mills

As WODC Councillor for Bablock Hythe he is more than happy to support the bridge and considers it to be a great idea.

Appleton with Eaton Parish Council

The Council is in favour of a river crossing at Bablock Hythe providing traffic issues are seriously addressed. Should the bridge move forward, the Council would want to see no increase in vehicle traffic.

Stanton Harcourt Parish Council

The Parish Council confirms it would strongly support the proposed new crossing at Bablock Hythe. If the proposed new crossing were to be at Bablock Hythe, the Parish Council might be persuaded to make a small contribution to its costs.

Cumnor Parish Council

The majority of Councillors supported the building of a bridge at Bablock Hythe, subject to appropriate vehicular control/access in Eaton.

Northmoor Parish Council

The Council is in favour of the proposal to build the new bridge, but have expressed a wish for the scheme to address the concerns of people living in Eaton by monitoring the traffic flow through Eaton village and taking preventative action should it prove to be a problem.

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