Local MP says Heyford Park residents must not be left to pay the price for Camp Road closure

Calum Miller MP has called for urgent action to reduce disruption for residents, families and businesses affected by the closure of Camp Road at Heyford Park.

The MP for Bicester and Woodstock has written to David Wilson Homes and Dorchester Living following concerns from local residents about longer school runs, delays getting to work, pressure on unsuitable rural roads, disruption to businesses, inappropriate HGV movements and anxiety about emergency access.

The closure is linked to sewage infrastructure works connected to private housing development in the area.

Calum Miller has asked the two organisations to provide an urgent joint response setting out what has happened, what remains unresolved and what steps will now be taken to reduce the impact on residents and businesses.

Calum Miller MP said:

“Residents in Heyford Park have been hit with a road closure of up to six months to the only direct road into the village. They are being left to live with the consequences of infrastructure works linked to a private housing development. That cannot be right.

“People who already live locally are now facing longer school runs, delays getting to work, disruption to businesses, pressure on rural roads and serious concerns about emergency access.

“New homes need proper infrastructure, but residents should not be expected to sweep up the problems when developers have not put proper arrangements in place.

Councillor Gareth Epps has tried hard to press for an agreement between the developers but David Wilson Homes pressed ahead and, under current laws, the county council has not been able to refuse their application to close the road.

“I have written to David Wilson Homes and Dorchester Living asking them to explain what has happened, what remains unresolved and what immediate steps they will now take to reduce the impact on the community.

“If infrastructure works are needed to support new development, the disruption should be properly planned, properly communicated and properly mitigated by those responsible. Residents should not be left paying the price in time, stress and cost.”