Road closure near Bicester delays vital medicine deliveries

The problems stem from ongoing works on Camp Road in Upper Heyford, linked to a 123-home development by David Wilson Homes.

The woks have been extended from an initial five weeks to six months, running until December 31 following approval by Oxfordshire County Council.

Camp Road near Heyford Park (Image: Google Maps)

Jess Parker, of Bicester Pharmacy, who also lives in Heyford Park, said a key supplier based in Upper Heyford has struggled to access the site, leading to missed deliveries.

She said: “We rely on medicines and supplies being delivered daily to supply our patients with their medication.

“This has caused numerous issues for the pharmacy and our patients. Some people were waiting on urgent medicine that they will now not receive until Monday, which is unacceptable.”

A pharmacy sign on a shop. (Image: James Manning / PA)

Ms Parker said the impact stretches beyond the immediate village, with the supplier now only able to make one delivery per day.

She added: “When it starts to have an impact on people’s health not just within the village, but also surrounding areas, something has to be done.

“It’s a complete shambles and my concern is someone’s health may suffer as a result.”

Ed Sturgess, site manager at Heyford Springs (Image: David Wilson Homes)

Residents say the disruption is already affecting vulnerable people.

Chriss Cox said her 10-year-old daughter, who has cerebral palsy, is non-verbal and lives with a rare condition called Reun syndrome, missed an NHS medical delivery because drivers could not access the area.

She said: “This can’t keep going on. If you miss just a single day it can have a knock-on effect for a whole week, and it’s just not sustainable.”

Site plans for new Heyford Park development (Image: David Wilson Homes)

The roadworks have also lengthened her daughter’s school taxi journey by 30 minutes, on top of an existing 45-minute trip.

Elsewhere, traffic diverted through Lower Heyford and temporary four-way lights are causing congestion and safety concerns, with emergency vehicles unable to bypass queues.

Camp Road resident Kayleigh Livingstone said she witnessed a lorry mount the kerb while attempting to navigate the route.

She said: “With the damage that this has caused in just a couple of days, expecting residents to swallow these delays for a further six months is unconscionable and has a significant impact on our daily lives and safety.”

The Oxfordshire County Council cabinet member for transport, Gareth Epps, Liberal Democrat councillor for Deddington, said inadequate signage and traffic mitigation had contributed to HGVs becoming stuck and the emergency closure of Port Way.

An anonymous parent also warned the delays could cost her job, adding: “I have a mortgage to pay and children to feed.”

New houses proposed at Heyford Park (Image: David Wilson Homes)

Oxfordshire County Council said the closure is necessary for infrastructure works and that it is working with the developer to minimise disruption.

A spokesman said: “As Highway Authority, the council has a legal duty to balance a range of factors, including safety, access, public transport and the efficient movement of traffic across the network.

“Officers are actively working with the developer to ensure traffic management arrangements are safe, proportionate and minimise impacts on the local community where reasonably practicable.

“Once the works hit Phase 4 (which is just past Wellington Road), the eastern side of Camp Road will be open to road users again, leaving only HGVs and buses to navigate the diversion route.

“Kirtlington Road/Port Way is open to private vehicles only now and will remain that way until works are completed.

“Phase 4 should be in operation along Camp Road in six weeks. We are having regular meetings and updates as well as daily checks on the works to ensure this happens.”

A spokesperson for David Wilson Homes Southern, said: “We are sorry for the inconvenience these essential roadworks will cause.

“They are needed to install a foul water pipe that will connect our development to a Thames Water connection point.

“Prior to starting we’ve worked closely with Oxfordshire County Council and relevant bodies to minimise the duration of the works and the disruption to residents and road users.

“We will continue to monitor the works throughout to identify any further opportunities to reduce the impact for the local community where it is safe and practical to do so.”