Statement from the Leader of Vale of White Horse District Council on further delays to reopening of the Botley Road

Published on 24 July 2026

Following confirmation this week the Botley Road in Oxford will remain closed beyond the end of August, Leader of Vale of White Horse District Council, Cllr Bethia Thomas, has expressed her deep frustration and incredulity at the further delays to the long-promised reopening. Botley Road in Oxford was originally on schedule to reopen at the end of August 2026 – almost two years later than the original timetable deadline.

Cllr Thomas, said: “Like so many local people, I’m deeply disappointed with Network Rail’s latest revelation that it will yet again fail to fulfil its promises about Botley Road. 

“To have the long-promised opening so close – and then to have it snatched away again, like so many times before over the last two years, it is utterly unacceptable. It is a further kick in the teeth to hear the horrendous disruption could go on for another six weeks!

“This is beyond frustrating for so many of our residents – access to vital services in Oxford has become a significant challenge for many in the Vale, particularly our residents and business owners in Botley, and the A420 corridor.

“Many people have experienced a significant negative impact on their daily lives, with simple, usually short journeys to work or school now taking hours, with the hardest hit being those with mobility issues.

“Network Rail has yet again managed this project poorly, heaping more misery on local people, particularly affecting them during the holiday period.

“Unexpected things happen in any project – and we do appreciate public safety has to remain the top priority. However – delays have become the norm in this project – and our patience is being stretched to breaking point.

“Although the district council has no direct involvement or influence in this project, we will continue to maintain pressure on Network Rail to ensure that the work is completed as swiftly as possible and prevent any more unacceptable delays. I will be writing to Network Rail this week – there are serious questions that need answering, and the management of the whole project that need to be addressed.”

Ends

Notes to media

Photo of Cllr Bethia Thomas for use by the media, copyright Vale of White Horse District Council