The ongoing closure of Botley Road has caused significant financial losses for local businesses, with estimates reaching up to £20 million.
Oxford: The closure of Botley Road has really hit local businesses hard. Community campaigner Julian Le Vay has been keeping track of the situation and estimates losses could be as high as £20 million. He even put together a booklet called Network Hell! to share stories from those affected.
Since the road closed back in April 2023 for a major station revamp, around 100 jobs have vanished. It’s been a tough time for many. The road was supposed to reopen last October, but delays have kept it shut, leaving everyone frustrated.
Le Vay has talked to a lot of business owners, and many reported a drop in revenue of 15-20%. Unfortunately, Network Rail isn’t offering any compensation, and local councils have said they can’t help either.
He’s been vocal about the economic damage, saying, “Neither Network Rail nor the councils seem interested in figuring out how much this is costing us.” It’s a real struggle for many, especially with no clear end in sight.
Tom Rainey, who runs a couple of pubs, mentioned he’s losing about £200,000 a year. Other businesses, like Tap Social brewery and the Oxford Wine Company, have also felt the pinch. Recently, they even formed a new group to support each other through this tough time.
The Green Party is stepping in, urging the council to take legal action against Network Rail and push for a timeline on when the road will finally reopen. It’s a tough situation, and many are just hoping for some clarity soon.
