Agenda item

To receive an update from OCC Officers on the progress of the Witney High Street and Market Square enhancements.

Members received the presentation of the lead OCC Officers on the High Street and Market Square enhancement scheme.

The preliminary design had now been completed following public consultation, a design review by Active Travel England, and a Stage 1 Road Safety Audit. Amendments included improved flexibility and space for loading, a revised junction alignment at Welch Way, and an additional bus stop for Community Transport services outside the Cross Keys public house. The scheme also incorporated enhanced planting and additional public seating in response to community feedback.

Footways would be widened by relocating some disabled parking bays into the carriageway, while this adjustment removed the capacity for two-way bus movement, the closure to through traffic was expected to make the arrangement manageable. The taxi rank would also be relocated to the opposite side of the carriageway, and formal loading bays were omitted in favour of permitting loading and deliveries on double yellow lines.

A principal contractor had been appointed and commenced the detailed design phase and an independent Accessibility Review had been commissioned, with its recommendations to be integrated to ensure the scheme met the needs of all users.

Revised delivery forecasts were issued, with construction scheduled to begin in January 2026 to avoid disruption during the 2025 Christmas trading period. Officers confirmed that approximately £510,000 to £515,000 had been spent to date, and that the overall budget had risen to over £3 million. A bid for additional Active Travel funding had also been submitted, with a decision pending.

Members expressed concerns regarding large vehicle manoeuvres between High Street and Welch Way and suggested relocating the proposed zebra crossing to improve access. Queries were raised about bollard installation at the junction as the existing bollards were frequently damaged.

The importance of a level, durable, and long-lasting footway surface was highlighted to which Officers confirmed that buff-coloured resin-bound gravel would be used, providing durability, and aesthetic compatibility with Witney’s heritage. Also to ease future patching by utility works it would be a readily available option with an annual cleaning programme to maintain the surface appearance.

Regarding traffic levels, Officers reported approximately 1,500 vehicles currently used the High Street daily, this was expected to reduce to 500 once ANPR cameras became operational based on 370 bus movements and the remainder comprising Blue Badge holders and deliveries. Officers advised the monitoring data would be shared with the Committee.

Officers confirmed that further engagement with WTC would take place regarding the changes to the planting, tree and street furniture proposals that were planned.

A Member asked about the potential for installing electric power supplies in the High Street and Market Square to support events which Officers agreed to look into.

Finally, Cllr D Enright raised that the results from a recent survey were available and so it was agreed that the Witney Chamber of Commerce’s report on local shopping habits and aspirations would be forwarded to OCC officers for consideration.

Resolved:

1.      That, Members note the update from OCC officers and,

2.      That, OCC Officers circulate details of the traffic monitoring results to the Committee  and,

3.      That, the Witney Chamber of Commerce report be shared by Cllr D Enright with OCC.