What we have done so far - Setbacks and Progress
The campaign was boosted in 2018 when the County Council announced its intention to re-develop the A40 as part of a programme to expand transport infrastructure prompted by plans to build thousands of new houses in Eynsham and East Witney.
The B4044 off-road path was included in those plans and in the formal public consultation on the scheme. Although the A40 plans received a mixed reception, the B4044 cycle path was widely supported so it was a devastating shock when the leader of Oxfordshire County Council unilaterally removed construction of the cycle path from the funding application.
To many of the campaign’s supporters, this felt like a last minute and underhand betrayal as well as flying in the face of the Council’s stated objectives to encourage more walking and cycling. Within a few days the leader of the County Council received over 800 emails of protest.
Instead of using the opportunity of major new housing developments to build transport infrastructure which will encourage more walking and cycling, the A40 re-development will primarily comprise the construction of a dual carriageway in association with the construction of a new Park and Ride facility near Eynsham.
Perhaps because of the strong sense of betrayal, the campaign for the B4044 path gathered more supporters and was able to maintain good working relationships with officers in the county council.
The River Thames near Pinkhill Lock.
Photograph taken by Katy Faulkner
