Talks held on vehicle access for Bicester crossing

The level crossing at London Road in Bicester will regularly be closed for more than 32 minutes per hour once East West Rail services are operational

The feasibility of having "some form" of vehicle access at a town's level crossing has been discussed by rail and council bosses.

There are fears the planned closure of the London Road crossing in Bicester will "cut the town in two" unless a solution can be found.

The talks were held after Bicester & Woodstock MP Calum Miller secured a meeting with the rail minister - and urged the government and East West Rail (EWR) to create an underpass for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.

EWR has previously proposed a footbridge or underpass, but a letter from CEO David Hughes suggests the plans are under review.

MP Calum Miller has urged the government and East West Rail to "listen to the will of local residents"

Mr Miller met with Mr Hughes and Baron Peter Hendy, the Minister for Rail, on 7 April.

Following the meeting, Mr Hughes wrote in a letter that "further work" had been undertaken as a result of feedback.

He said: "I can confirm that since our meeting we have held discussions with both Network Rail and the local council to understand the feasibility of developing the design to incorporate some form of vehicular access – and we are awaiting responses on whether such amendments would be accepted and with what mitigations.

"Whilst all involved are in agreement as to the benefits of such developments, we will only be able to take this option forward if it can be done safely and appropriately and the costs, as discussed at our meeting, remain within a broadly comparable range."

Mr Miller said he was "pleased" about the progress being made.

"We discussed the feasibility and importance of an underpass suitable for cars, as well as pedestrians," he said.

"If the crossing is to close, residents overwhelmingly say this is the only workable alternative.

"I'm glad the Minister and EWR have confirmed they are giving serious consideration to two options which will secure the future of London Road, neither of which were included in the original consultation."

EWR said its final designs would be released during a statutory consultation, due next year.