Residents and businesses affected by the prolonged closure of Oxford’s Botley Road have reacted with frustration and anger after news of a delay in reopening again the road was made.
Network Rail announced that the Botley Road will not reopen at the end of August as planned after excavation works uncovered three minor gas leaks linked to SGN’s gas network.
Read more: Botley Road reopening delayed again after gas leaks discovered during drainage works
The latest delay is expected to add a further four to six weeks to the closure, which began in April 2023.
For many living and working around Botley Road, the announcement brought renewed disappointment after repeated delays to the project.
Zack Iqbal from First Stop Spanner Works described the news as “heart-wrenching”.
He said:
“It’s been almost four years – we have three different prime ministers in that period. Can we believe anything that Network Rail say?”
Local resident Alison Mathias, who has lived in the area for around 26 years, said she expected further problems because of the history of the project.
She said:
“The bottom line is I cannot understand how come they didn’t figure out that the gas line would need replacing.”
However, she said Network Rail’s representatives had been “very conciliatory” at the latest residents’ meeting and felt the team was “trying to do their best”.
Resident Helen White said the situation had been frustrating but added that she appreciated the efforts being made.
She said:
“It’s been irritating, don’t get me wrong.”
Residents also highlighted the impact of the closure on daily life, with some saying they feel disconnected from Oxford city centre because of the disruption.
Ian Clarke, who has lived locally for around 60 years, said:
“It’s annoying, but it’s something they could legislate for.”
He added that he appreciated the importance of completing the work properly but described the ongoing disruption from buses and traffic as difficult for residents.
Local hospitality businesses have also expressed frustration.
Tom Rainey, who runs The Porter House restaurant and hotel and The Punter pub, said:
“Quelle surprise.”
He added that the Rail Minister had previously made commitments about the reopening timeline.
The latest delay has also raised concerns about the impact on businesses already affected by restricted access during the closure.
Oxford West and Abingdon MP Layla Moran described the delay as “calamitous and catastrophic” for residents and businesses.
She said she had written to the Transport Secretary demanding answers over why the issues were not identified earlier.
Oxford East MP Anneliese Dodds said the announcement would be a “bitter blow” but welcomed Network Rail being open about the gas main issue.
She said she would continue pushing for the project to be completed as quickly as possible.
Reporting contribution by Isabella Harris, Local Democracy Reporter (LDR) for Oxfordshire, covering local politics, council meetings and planning decisions across six councils in the county.
