Campaigner renews calls for independent inquiry into Botley Road works after further delay
Network Rail has apologised for the continued disruption and uncertainty
A leading Botley Road campaigner has renewed calls for an independent inquiry into the project, saying the latest delay has reinforced the need to examine how it has been managed.
Julian Le Vay, who has spoken on behalf of residents since the road closed in 2023, said he had stepped back from campaigning because people had become "so terribly sick of it all".
But following Network Rail's announcement that Botley Road will remain shut beyond the end of August, he says he is ready to become involved again.
He said: "With this latest postponement, which is so outrageous after three-and-a-half years, I'm going to pitch back into it and try and get some action."
Mr Le Vay said campaigners had previously called for the project to be scrutinised, but did not get a response.
"We asked for this a year ago and we were just ignored, but it really does need doing – an independent inquiry into how this all went so terribly wrong," he said.
"It needs to be understood not just to protect us, but to protect other communities. If you don't put right the fundamental things that have gone wrong, they will go wrong again."
He added that the latest setback would be particularly damaging for businesses in west Oxford.
"Some of them were just at the point where they were taking on staff and getting ready to relaunch, trying to win back the customers they've lost over the last three-and-a-half years," he said.
"A few weeks beforehand they're told it's not going to happen. It's impossible for them to plan."
Network Rail announced earlier this week that Botley Road would not reopen at the end of August as previously planned after three minor gas leaks were identified on SGN's gas network during excavation work.
The organisation says the pipe was not damaged by its work, but it has agreed with SGN that the section should be replaced now to avoid future disruption.
Tim Walden, Network Rail Great Western Route's Capital Delivery Director, said: "We know this news will be deeply disappointing for residents, businesses and everyone who relies on Botley Road, and we're very sorry for the continued disruption and uncertainty this will cause.
"Our teams, across SGN and Network Rail, are working as hard as possible to complete the remaining work and minimise delays, while keeping the community informed with regular updates.
"We expect the additional work to take around four to six weeks and are currently working on a plan so we can confirm the timings as quickly as possible."