Plans to divert traffic away from Watlington High Street have sparked concern among local business owners, who fear a loss of passing trade. Oxfordshire County Council's proposed relief road would provide an alternative route connecting the B4009 on either side of the town, bypassing the centre.
Loraine Daniels, joint owner of Bella Luce lighting shop on the high street for eight years, said 90% of her customers come from passing trade. 'Absolutely without a doubt 90% of our customers come because of our windows,' she said, highlighting the reliance on footfall generated by current traffic flow.
However, Judy Roberts, cabinet member for infrastructure and development strategy, said the council is 'fully committed' to the project. She explained that the road aims to alleviate congestion, noise and air pollution in the town centre, and enable future housing developments by offering sustainable transport options like cycling and walking.
Debbie Davies of the Oxfordshire Roads Action Alliance (ORAA) countered that traffic and pollution are likely to increase overall if the road is built. She argued it would undermine the county council's transport plan to reduce private car journeys and boost public transport.
Shirburn Parish Council added that the traffic and extensive residential development would cause harm to the conservation village of Shirburn.
