Level crossing petition supported by thousands

Many fear the upcoming closure of the London Road level crossing would cut off crucial access to thousands of residents

A petition calling for a fully accessible underpass at a town's level crossing has received more than 3,000 signatures.

Launched by MP for Bicester and Woodstock Calum Miller, the petition calls on the government to ensure any replacement of the level crossing at London Road in Bicester includes access for cars, not just cyclists and pedestrians.

It is set to be closed on safety grounds when the East West Rail (EWR) line becomes fully operational, which many fear would cut off crucial access to thousands of residents.

Mr Miller will present the petition, which can only be signed in person, in Parliament on 3 June.

Mr Miller said the amount of collected signatures "demonstrates just how strongly people feel" about the issue

In the most recent consultation, which received more than 6,000 responses and closed in January, EWR had proposed a new footbridge or underpass for pedestrians and cyclists.

But a letter from CEO David Hughes later suggested the plans were under review.

Following a meeting with Mr Miller and Baron Peter Hendy, the Minister for Rail, on 7 April, Mr Hughes wrote 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."

Mr Miller previously told BBC Radio Oxford it would be "very hard" to put a bridge in place.

His office said that in addition to the thousands of signatures it had gathered across Bicester, community volunteers had also taken it door-to-door in areas such as Langford.

Mr Miller, who launched the petition a few weeks ago, said the amount of collected signatures "in a very short period of time demonstrates just how strongly people feel about it".

"East West Rail is a project of national significance – but it must not come at the cost of existing residents in our town," he said.

"The impact of cutting off this crucial artery would be a disaster for Bicester, no one wants the town cut in two."

He said the petition was "a way of highlighting the issue" and said he would continue to press the government and EWR "to commit to deliver the solution that Bicester people want to see".

The Department for Transport has been approached for comment.