MP joins calls for better solution for those being dropped-off at Banbury station
05/12/2025
Sean Woodcock says the current solution has fallen short in delivery for rail passengers
Banbury’s MP has taken up the issue of how far pedestrians have to walk to access the train station following the multi-million pound station access improvement scheme.
Sean Woodcock has added his voice to calls for drop-off points on the southern side of the station to be closer to the entrance.
The County Council recently approved a small number of drop-off bays on Tramway, close to where people were left before work began on the new project. The original intention had been to include drop-off points close to the station, but these plans were changed “due to a reduction in land availability”.
Banbury Councillor Kieron Mallon is one of those who has previously said this shows a total lack of empathy for the elderly, disabled, mums with prams and Chiltern customers with luggage.
Mr Woodcock agrees. In a letter to the Leader of the County Council, Councillor Liz Leffman and Highways Chief, Councillor Andrew Gant, he wrote: “Despite Oxfordshire County Council no doubt having the best of intentions to improve accessibility for pedestrians, cyclists, buses, taxis and motorists, the scheme has fallen short in delivery for rail passengers particularly travelling from the south via Tramway Road.
“Several issues have been raised and I’m particularly concerned about accessibility for elderly and disabled passengers because the new drop-off point in Tramway Road is located a fair distance from the station building. This provides no real improvement for them, compared with the pre-scheme arrangements.”
Mr Woodcock has requested a site visit so the issues can be discussed in person.
Published: by the Banbury FM News Team
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