The government recommitted in the 2022 Autumn Statement to the delivery of East West Rail (EWR). In 2021, EWR consulted on a series of proposals to address the fact that increased train frequency would, in due course, require the level crossing at London Road, Bicester, to be closed. The Chief Executive of EWR told a meeting of local elected representatives on 13 January that EWR would publish its proposals for the whole line by June.
This Council:
• Strongly supports East West Rail as it will increase opportunities for lower carbon travel and support sustainable growth and jobs;
• Notes that the closure of the London Road would sever the road connection between the south-east of Bicester and the town centre;
• Believes that it must be a priority, working with Cherwell District Council and East West Rail, to find a sustainable, funded solution that continues to provide suitable rail crossings for cars, cycles and pedestrians at or near London Road;
• Recognises that the next three months are critical to ensuring that this solution is adequately funded by EWR and national government, given that the new line is of national importance while the negative impact of closing London Road would fall on the local community in Bicester;
• Resolves to ask the Leader to write to the Chief Executive of East West Rail, stating this Council’s support for new railway crossings at or near London Road, suitable for cars, cycles and pedestrians.
Minutes:
Councillor Calum Miller moved and Councillor Robin Johnston seconded the following motion:
The government recommitted in the 2022 Autumn Statement to the delivery of East West Rail (EWR). In 2021, EWR consulted on a series of proposals to address the fact that increased train frequency would, in due course, require the level crossing at London Road, Bicester, to be closed. The Chief Executive of EWR told a meeting of local elected representatives on 13 January that EWR would publish its proposals for the whole line by June.
This Council:
• Strongly supports East West Rail as it will increase opportunities for lower carbon travel and support sustainable growth and jobs;
• Notes that the closure of the London Road would sever the road connection between the south-east of Bicester and the town centre;
• Believes that it must be a priority, working with Cherwell District Council and East West Rail, to find a sustainable, funded solution that continues to provide suitable rail crossings for cars, cycles and pedestrians at or near London Road;
• Recognises that the next three months are critical to ensuring that this solution is adequately funded by EWR and national government, given that the new line is of national importance while the negative impact of closing London Road would fall on the local community in Bicester;
• Resolves to ask the Leader to write to the Chief Executive of East West Rail, stating this Council’s support for new railway crossings at or near London Road, suitable for cars, cycles and pedestrians.
Following debate the motion was pit to the vote and was carried unanimously (55 voting in favour, 0 against and 0 abstentions):-
RESOLVED (55 to 0):
The government recommitted in the 2022 Autumn Statement to the delivery of East West Rail (EWR). In 2021, EWR consulted on a series of proposals to address the fact that increased train frequency would, in due course, require the level crossing at London Road, Bicester, to be closed. The Chief Executive of EWR told a meeting of local elected representatives on 13 January that EWR would publish its proposals for the whole line by June.
This Council:
• Strongly supports East West Rail as it will increase opportunities for lower carbon travel and support sustainable growth and jobs;
• Notes that the closure of the London Road would sever the road connection between the south-east of Bicester and the town centre;
• Believes that it must be a priority, working with Cherwell District Council and East West Rail, to find a sustainable, funded solution that continues to provide suitable rail crossings for cars, cycles and pedestrians at or near London Road;
• Recognises that the next three months are critical to ensuring that this solution is adequately funded by EWR and national government, given that the new line is of national importance while the negative impact of closing London Road would fall on the local community in Bicester;
• Resolves to ask the Leader to write to the Chief Executive of East West Rail, stating this Council’s support for new railway crossings at or near London Road, suitable for cars, cycles and pedestrians.