Crime & Safety
Oxfordshire bike lane and crossings approval amid objections
In his first full day in the job, newly elected county council leader Tim Bearder was set to decide whether to give the plans approval on May 21, but delegated the decision to his deputy, Neil Fawcett.
The shared-use pavement and cycleway, bus stops, toucan and puffin crossing, will provide access to new developments on the road in Kidlington.
Raising objections in a consultation on the proposals, the Bicester Bike Users’ Group said: “Shared provision does not work for either pedestrians or cyclists.
“It is concerning that the plan also shows a proposed pedestrian only crossing to the north connecting to a shared (cycle and pedestrian) path.”
It questioned the policy compliance of plans, saying it had “poor design”.
Cycling advocacy group, Cyclox supported the scheme, saying it welcomed “the inclusion of a signal-controlled toucan crossing and the provision of a wider footway/cycleway, which will improve crossing opportunities”.
However, it said there is “opportunity to further strengthen the scheme so that it better reflects current best practice” noting how the current design of the bike path could “lead to conflict and reduced comfort for both pedestrians and cyclists”.
Oxfordshire Liveable Streets also had a mixed response, stating “we have a number of concerns”.
Responding to objections, Mr Fawcett explained he understood that “this is as good as we [the county council] can do and it is within the standard rules” for bike lanes in part due to funding agreements.
He noted he could see how the scheme “could be better” but said physical and development agreements constraints impacted decisions and that he was “satisfied” with the plan.
The new additions will be paid for by developers building next to the road as part of a Section 106 agreement.
Residents had mixed responses.
One believes the toucan crossing could save lives.
The anoymous resident stated: “Drivers regularly disregard the zebra crossings – even when people are crossing on them.
“It’s so dangerous. As a driver I use this road almost daily and have witnessed many near misses involving adults and children.
“A toucan crossing would help improve safety so much before some innocent person – likely a child, loses their life in a totally preventable tragedy and parents lose their child.”
An Oxford United fan said they thought the plans would be “beneficial to stadium users”.
Another resident noted: “This is good news for cyclists as it’s extremely unsafe to cycle on the parallel Oxford Road due to the vast number of potholes.”
One member of public objected, saying another shared-use path on the northern side of the road is “in very poor shape” leading to danger for cyclists in the busy road.
Isolated storms with lightning, hail and gusty winds could hit large swathes of the country including Oxford and the rest of the county.
The Met Office said many areas will stay hot and sunny but there is potential for as much as 30mm of rainfall in the space of an hour in some parts.
The warning is in place between 3pm and 10pm today (Tuesday, May 26).
READ MORE: Oxfordshire breaks temperature records twice after 82 years
The Met Office’s spokesman said: “If you find yourself outside and hear thunder, protect yourself by finding a safe enclosed shelter (such as a car).
“Do not shelter under or near trees, or other structures which may be struck by lightning. If you are on an elevated area move to lower ground.
“Consider if your location is at risk of flash flooding. If so, consider preparing a flood plan and an emergency flood kit.
“Prepare to protect your property and people from injury. Before gusty winds arrive, check to ensure moveable objects or temporary structures are well secured. Items include; bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, gazebos, sheds, and fences.
Meanwhile, the UK Health Security Agency said amber alerts for the south east will remain in place until 5pm on Thursday, May 28.
The alert had previously been in place until 5pm on Wednesday, May 27.
Police and the ambulance and fire services were all called to Corn Street on Tuesday morning, May 26.
Witnesses suggested there was a “hostage” situation in a flat, with police tape cordoning off part of the pavement and road.
Meanwhile, a police car was stationed at the ends of the road to block off access during the incident.
LIVE UPDATES: Street cordoned off amid major emergency services presence
The incident lasted for several hours, with officers on scene unable to specify how long the road would be closed.
Thames Valley Police’s spokeswoman said there was “no threat” to the wider public before adding: “This was a fear for welfare incident with no threat to the public that has now been safely resolved with one arrest made.
“Temporary cordons and road closures will be lifted shortly. We would like to thank the public for their patience and support.”
We have asked the force for details on the arrest.
Family-run Corn Street cafe Café Marada 39 said staff had to close the shop due to the incident.
It will remain closed for the rest of the day, with a spokesman saying: “Emergency services have temporarily restricted access to our buildings making it impossible for us to open.”
The shop is expected to reopen on Wednesday as usual.
The new forest, which will be in either the Midlands or north England, is expected to be between 200 and 600 square miles.
It will focus on supporting healthy communities, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said.
It will be one of three new national forests in England which Labour pledged to establish in its manifesto.
READ MORE: Film producer selling £6.5m mansion in favour of £15m Cotswolds pad
On Monday, the department announced the Government had committed up to £7.5 million over a five-year period to support the forest and called for delivery partners to submit bids to help deliver the new project.
The funding forms part of the Government’s commitment to invest more than £1 billion this parliament in tree planting and to support the forestry sector.
The first of the new forests was announced in March last year, stretching from the Cotswolds to the Mendips in the west of England.
Planting has already begun here, with the project expected to see more than 20 million trees planted across Bristol, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and Somerset by 2050, the department said.
READ MORE: Tributes as police find dead body in public toilets on bank holiday
Another new forest has been planned for the Oxford-Cambridge (OxCam) corridor.
Nature minister Mary Creagh said: “In our manifesto we promised three new national forests, and after the Western Forest and the OxCam arc forest we’re looking for England’s newest forest in the Midlands or North.
“Too many communities can’t access the green spaces that benefit mental and physical health.
“This new national forest will help change that, and I encourage every eligible organisation with the vision and expertise to come forward.”
Officials said the forests would boost communities and drive economic growth, while enhancing nature and bringing trees and woodlands closer to where people live.
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