Oxfordshire local authority members are opposing proposals to shut a hazardous railway crossing.
Network Rail intends to close the Roundham level crossing in Kidlington, situated close to Roundham lock and Langford Lane.
Representatives from Oxfordshire Liberal Democrats, among them MP Calum Miller, maintain that sealing the crossing would isolate an entire neighbourhood.
The elected members have labelled the crossing a crucial connection for inhabitants in the north-western part of Kidlington, offering passage to significant local paths such as the Oxford Canal towpath and the Begbroke bridleway.
This recently finished pedestrian and cycling route was deliberately constructed to offer secure, navigable connections between Kidlington and Begbroke Science Park.
Nevertheless, the crossing witnessed a fatal incident in 2014 when a 22-year-old individual from Bletchington was hit by a locomotive.
More recently, another local resident from Kidlington suffered fatal injuries at the level crossing in February.
Alexis O’Connor, aged 54 and originally from Southampton, lost their life on the tracks, with massive trauma recorded as the cause of death.
Network Rail initially revealed closure intentions after Cherwell District Council received a planning submission for 300 residential properties in the vicinity of the crossing during 2024.
Hallam Land Management filed the application concerning the dwellings at the former piggery and terrain north of Woodstock Road, Yarnton in 2024.
According to the planning submission, it is anticipated that residents of the proposed new homes would require regular use of the crossing to reach Kidlington on foot or by bicycle.
In their outline planning submission, Oxfordshire Liberal Democrats observed that shutting the Roundham Level Crossing would diminish alternatives for travelling on foot and by bicycle between communities, which hold substantial importance in fulfilling the ambitions of these housing developments situated within the Green Belt.
Within the planning documentation, Network Rail put forward a stipulation prohibiting construction of any residences until the crossing had been closed or rerouted.
The local authority responded by stating that the County Council had believed the configuration at Roundham represented one of the safest designs, though the assessment of potential risk remained Network Rail’s responsibility.
The council additionally suggested constructing a replacement access bridge near Sandy Lane, although subsequently acknowledged that location would prove too distant for future occupants.
Council members have maintained that Network Rail must locate and finance a practical alternative that maintains access for canal maintenance while avoiding substantial deterioration of routes for local residents.
Councillor Lesley McLean revealed that a gathering concerning Roundham Crossing and Begbroke Station will take place on September 2.
The event, scheduled for Exeter Hall, will additionally examine proposals for four additional railway stations across Oxfordshire, encompassing one at Begbroke.
The scheme, unveiled in September 2025, also encompasses railway stations at Oxford Littlemore, Oxford Cowley, and Wantage and Grove.