A417 Challow Road Closure

I have heard this week that it has been confirmed that Network Rail intends to close the A417 Challow Road to undertake the bridge work associated with the Great Western Rail electrification project.  At a meeting of all county councillors two weeks ago, we were told that a solution was being sought to undertake the work to the bridge which would cause minimum  disruption similar to the scheme found for the A338.

As my previous blog post reports, we had a good result from our negotiations on the A338 Wantage Road bridge, but sadly this cannot be said for the A417.  The road closure was agreed by senior officers, the Cabinet Member for Transport and the local member for the division in which the bridge is located.  So the fact remains that the road will close from September until December this year, with the main diversion route being the A420 and the A338.  Obviously, local light vehicles will find their own way round through the country lanes and we can only hope that this will not cause mayhem.

The decision was published by Network Rail on their website last week with a direct press release without any consultation with local elected county councillors affected by the route!  So despite their words about 'working with communities', this does not appear to be the case.

The A420 is due to close in July for major roadworks taking place on the Shrivenham bypass so we can only hope that all this work will be completed in time for this road closure, because the official diversion for the A420 closure is going to be the A417!  It will be absolutely crucial that there will be co-ordination going on between Network Rail and the County Council.  Sadly, not much evidence of this so far!

A338 Update on Wantage Road Bridge Rebuild

I attended a briefing for Oxfordshire County Councillors yesterday, where Network Rail confirmed that they have now developed a proposal for the A338 Wantage Road bridge rebuild that will keep the road open.  This scheme will build a brand new bridge alongside the old bridge which will then be demolished once the new bridge is in place.  Obviously, the road will have to be realigned slightly to take account of this, but discussions are ongoing with county officers and Network Rail to ensure that disruption is minimised whilst the work takes place.

We were also assured that they have taken into consideration other highways work being undertaken by Oxfordshire County Council and therefore the Challow Road (A417) and Steventon High Street (B4017) bridges will not be closed at the same time and access for pedestrians will be provided during the work on the bridges.

I understand from the presentation that we were given that all being well, the work will start at the end of this year, with a completion date around May 2015.  However, this timetable could change if further information comes to light which needs to be taken into account.  

We were also assured that residents who live near to the railway line will be notified of the works taking place overnight, and this will happen nearer the time. I have heard reports that the electrification work is done quickly with 1km a day being undertaken in other parts of the country.

I have been campaigning hard to ensure that the best solution possible is undertaken for this work to go ahead which will minimise any road closure, so I was pleased to hear that Network Rail have listened.  I will keep residents informed as soon as I hear further news, but it is good to hear that long road closures are to be avoided.

Art in Ardington

Yesterday was Bank Holiday Monday, so I took the opportunity of visiting Art in Ardington,  which is being held as part of the Oxfordshire Art Weeks festival.  The gallery is open in the Loyd Lindsay Rooms with many paintings and works of art of several artists to view.  There is a delightful walk around the village with a magnificent display of sculptures on display in stunning settings.  Some of these are photographed above as you can see, but there are many more on show which can be purchased if you do get a chance to take a look.

The exhibition is running until 11th May and is open every day, but please check the link above for full details of times and venue.   We are very fortunate to have such an exciting exhibition so close to home, so it really is worth your while going along if you can.

Opening of the Sack House Museum in Wantage

Last Saturday, I had the pleasure of attending the official opening of the Sack House Museum and Wilts and Berks Canal Information Centre in Wantage.  The Wantage Silver Band were out to celebrate the event (see photos above) and along with many of the local volunteers, we were able to look inside at the history of the wharf area before it was developed for housing.   

Cllr. Jenny Hannaby and I contributed some of our County Councillor Community Budget funds towards the lighting inside the Sack House itself and as you will see from the photos above, this was all in good working order on the day!  Brian Stovold has worked hard as the East Vale Branch Chairman to co-ordinate the event on behalf of the Wilts and Berks Canal Trust.  They are always looking for volunteers, so do click on their website link if you wish to get involved.  This link also gives information about the opening hours for the museum and the background.

I should like to use this opportunity to flag up that I have a new pot of money for local community and voluntary groups to bid for in the new budget round, which although reduced to £5,000 per councillor, is still a boost to those who are looking for help. Please contact me at my email address zoe.patrick@oxfordshire.gov.uk if you wish to find out more. I would also urge those interested to contact me sooner rather than later, as funds are allocated on a first come, first served basis.