Witney cycle scheme: What do you think?

The initiative is designed to make the town a safer place to cycle and walk, while cutting back on car journeys.

Specifically, cycle routes across a central corridor of the town will be improved, combined with proposed improvements to walking and cycling measures in western Witney.

Measures to slow vehicle traffic and prioritise cyclists and pedestrians include upgrading crossings to toucan crossings.

See also: Escaped goats cause havoc in the snow

Proposals also include an eastbound bus and cycle only lane in Corn Street, where general traffic will only be allowed westbound, and the closure of Holloway Road for through traffic, to prevent rat-running.

Paths will also be widened in the aim of creating a safer environment to cycle and walk.

The proposals for the scheme result from an active travel investment from the Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (OxLEP).

Yvonne Constance, the county council’s cabinet member for the environment, said: “This is great news for Witney. The funding from OxLEP recognises the ambition of our active travel plans and enables us to build on our existing commitment to accelerate our bold plans for transforming how people travel and how communities are connected.

Oxfordshire county councillor Yvonne Constance. Picture: Jon Lewis

“As the Witney area grows, it is vital that this growth is made sustainably so we minimise emissions and car journeys and help the growth be geared to connected and healthy, active communities.

“Active travel and climate action are at the heart of our plans.

“We have put forward schemes which will have the greatest impact in terms of air quality, physical activity and environmental benefit.

“This scheme and that for Bicester are projects which go to the heart of supporting healthy and vibrant communities.”

Read more: Mum blasts council for handling of autistic daughter’s education

Nigel Tipple, chief executive of OxLEP, added: “As the Local Enterprise Partnership for Oxfordshire, we continue to play a vitally important role moving forward, securing investment that enables and unlocks new opportunities for our many businesses and communities right across the county.

“We would encourage residents and businesses in Witney to take part in this upcoming process, as this new cycle scheme continues to evolve.”

The county council is seeking the opinions of residents, visitors and local businesses before the scheme is implemented.

Notices: Hospital unit demolition and Park and Ride closure

The council is running this pre-statutory consultation survey to understand resident expectations and concerns so the output from the consultation will be carefully examined as the scheme progresses to the next stage.

The consultation opened on January 21 and closes at 23.59 on February 11.

To learn more about the plans for the scheme in Witney and examine some frequently asked questions, and to also take part in the consultation, visit the county council’s website.

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

For news updates straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on news@nqo.com or 01865 425 445.