Business & Technology
Oxfordshire high street project set to last all summer
The construction schedule for the Witney High Street and Market Square Project is due to go to Oxfordshire County Council for final sign-off on Thursday, 26 March.
If it is given the all-clear, the works, which aim to improve walking and cycling access and road safety, will start in early May.
In addition, it will introduce more trees, more seating and improved footway surfacing to the area and an automatic number plate recognition camera will be installed.
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A spokesperson for the county council said: “The project will create a more welcoming public realm that encourages more people to visit.”
The local authority intends for the work to last 26 weeks, so it is completed ahead of winter.
However, this start date is later than even recent plans which would have seen construction begin in early 2026 and end in the summer.
Indeed, Witney councillor Thomas Ashby has criticised the “poorly judged” timing of the works.
The Conservative said: “By scheduled construction over the summer, the council is creating significant hurdles for hospitality venues that depend on outdoor service during the warmer months.
“Between the disruption to front-of-house trade and the decision to turn parts of the Woolgate Car Park into a ‘site depot,’ it is clear there has been a profound lack of communication and forward thinking.”
Fellow councillor Andrew Coles was also critical and left feeling “deeply frustrated” by the delays, although he appreciated it was due to funding.
Indeed, the scheme’s budget is now well beyond the £1.98m awarded by Active Travel England, with the new budget set at £4.4m.
The council said this will let it “deliver more of what people told us they would like while meeting increasing materials and labour prices”.
On the overall scheme, Mr Coles was enthusiastic.
The Labour politician said: “The enhancements will undoubtedly bring a benefit to Witney and for local people that live in the centre of town as well as all those that come to Witney to visit and shop.”
He added that it is essential it is completed before the Christmas trading period.
Despite his endorsement, the scheme is far from universally popular.
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Adrian Bullock of the Witney and District Chamber of Commerce cited major concerns about its cost, aims and impact on traffic flow.
He said: “It is likely there will be issues with deliveries blocking the road and the proposals to have several sections of single carriageway will result in bottle necks along its length.”
If he could make one addition to the scheme it would be the inclusion of a small number of 15 minute parking spaces, which he said would give ordinary cars high street access.
He added: “While we believe the high street could have been treated differently than it is. Witney is still a great place to visit, shop, explore, eat and relax.”
South Oxfordshire District Council’s Cabinet will consider a targeted, one-off reduction in business rates in July, aimed at easing pressure on pubs across the district.
The move follows growing concern that many venues are struggling with rising costs despite their importance as community hubs, rural assets and employers.
Cllr Pieter-Paul Barker, Cabinet Member for Finance and Property Assets, said: “Everyone knows that pubs are experiencing significant financial pressures.
“These venues play an important role in the economy and are vital for ensuring a thriving local community.
“We’re carefully considering how best to provide targeted support for pubs in South Oxfordshire which will both help to strengthen our local and rural economy and safeguard employment in our hospitality sector.”
Council leader Cllr Maggie Filipova-Rivers said: “While this support can’t fix everything, it’s a step in the right direction.
“We’re staying focused on collaborating with our local pubs and partners to provide the practical support and guidance they need right now.”
Details of the proposed business rates support are set out in a report to cabinet on July 2, when a decision is due to be made.
The popular shopping centre in Oxford’s Queen Street already has an exciting mix of shops on offer, from first-class dining options to familiar high street favourites and world-renowned brands.
Now, the Westgate has welcomed the latest addition to its retail offering, as David Clulow opticians opened on Friday, June 26.
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The eye health specialist store showcases the brand’s modernised retail format, with state-of-the-art testing rooms and improved accessibility.
It’s broad product range also includes designer frames from the likes of Chanel, Prada and Ray-Ban.
The store is the latest edition to David Clulow’s store collection which is hosted in nearly 30 cities and shopping centres across the UK.
The introduction of the new shop is the latest in a long line of recent Westgate comings and goings in recent months.
Shoe chain Russell & Bromley has departed its ground-floor store, leaving the unit empty, after the brand fell into administration.
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Similarly, Claire’s has also closed at the Westgate after the beauty and accessory brand also collapsed into administration.
Last month, the new Lego store opened on the ground floor of the centre, welcoming queues of shoppers at its grand opening event.
Oliver Bonas also recently moved from its home on the ground floor to a much larger unit on the middle floor, near the Queen Street and Bonn Square entrance.
The scheme, designed to support attendance at Armed Forces Day events, will be in effect across the UK on June 27 and June 28.
It applies to all Stagecoach services except those operated by Megabus, Transport for London and the Bee Network.
To access free travel, serving military should wear uniform or present a valid military ID card, and veterans should present a veteran’s badge or military medal.
Martin Gibbon, managing director of Stagecoach West, said: “Our Armed Forces have given so much to protect our country, and offering free travel over this weekend is just a small gesture of our immense gratitude.
“We want to make it as easy as possible for our service people, past and present, to attend local events and celebrate with their communities.”
Stagecoach’s ongoing support for the military community includes similar free travel schemes on Remembrance Day and Remembrance Sunday.
The company’s Veterans Network also offers a platform for veterans and service families within the business to connect and shape a more supportive workplace.
Stagecoach was awarded the Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award in 2024 in recognition of its commitment to supporting the military community.
Mr Gibbon said: “Through our Veterans Network, we are dedicated to ensuring Stagecoach remains a deeply supportive environment for the military community, both as passengers and as valued colleagues.”
Stagecoach has backed the Armed Forces Covenant since 2015.
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