MP warns proposed rail crossing closures could ‘cut town in two’

An MP has stated that residents oppose the prospect of their town being “cut in two” due to extended closures planned for a frequently used level crossing. Calum Miller, the Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament for Bicester, has communicated in writing to Rachel Reeves, conveying the town’s “frustration” regarding insufficient funding allocated for the London Road level crossing. Within the correspondence, Mr Miller urged the Chancellor to provide financial support for alternative crossings catering to all users once the current site is closed due to the introduction of the new East West Rail service. An increased number of trains are anticipated to traverse the crossing once the route operates at its maximum capacity. These increased train movements are projected to lead to extended periods of closure for the level crossing, a situation Mr Miller described as rendering it “unsafe”. The East West Rail service is designed to link Oxford, Milton Keynes, Bedford, and Cambridge. He stated, “We need a commitment now to invest to provide alternative crossings so that pedestrians, cyclists and drivers can continue to get across town.” The initial test train journey on the multibillion-pound East West Rail route, spanning from Oxford to Milton Keynes, was successfully concluded earlier in the current month. The full operational launch of the line for passenger service is anticipated in the early 2030s. In his communication to Ms Reeves, Mr Miller conveyed that residents had informed him the closures would “negatively affect them or their families”. He added, “There is support for the new rail line but also a belief that its opening should not unfairly affect one town. They do not want to see Bicester cut in two.” A Treasury spokesperson commented: “Following the spending audit, the Chancellor has been clear that difficult decisions lie ahead on spending, welfare and tax to fix the foundations of our economy and address the £22 billion hole the government has inherited.” The Chancellor is scheduled to present Labour’s first Budget in 14 years on Wednesday. She has cautioned that it will entail “difficult decisions”, and government sources have indicated to the BBC that the budget might feature tax increases and spending reductions totaling £40bn.