Witney councillors have formally urged better management of the ongoing £4.4 million upgrade to the town’s High Street and Market Square as the scheme approaches its halfway point.
Council raises alarm over disruption and lost trade
The concern was set out in a letter from Ruth Smith, the leader of Witney Town Council, to contractor Galliford Try and Oxfordshire County Council following reports from local traders. Members of the Witney Chamber of Commerce have told the council that some businesses recorded trading drops of between 20 and 30 per cent compared with the previous year.
“All 17 councillors wish to convey serious concern and disappointment at the communication surrounding the active works on the High Street and the avoidable disruption, confusion and loss of trade that has arisen so far concerning bus users and businesses.”
The project, which began in May and is due for completion in November, will deliver new seating and trees, resurfacing of around 2,000m² of existing footways, creation of over 1,000m² of new footway, and a new bus stop for community transport once finished.
Requests made ahead of second phase
With the second half of work scheduled to start on 9 August, when the opposite side of the road will be worked on, the town council has asked for a number of practical measures intended to reduce confusion and limit further harm to traders.
- Clear signage at former bus stop locations directing passengers to the correct numbered services
- Regular, in-person engagement by the project liaison officer with affected businesses
- Large, positive signage reassuring shoppers that the High Street remains open to trade
Councillors also highlighted issues including inadequate direct communication with individual businesses about timelines, uncertainty over replacement bus stops, and concerns about the visual impact of the works.
What the scheme will deliver
| Element | Details from scheme |
|---|---|
| Project value | £4.4 million |
| Start and expected finish | May – November |
| Footway resurfacing | Approx. 2,000m² |
| New footway area | Over 1,000m² |
| Other features | Seating, trees, community transport bus stop |
The council’s intervention comes as traders seek assurance that disruption will be minimised during the remaining months of construction. Local leaders have asked the contractor and county council to implement clearer, more frequent communication and to make it easier for shoppers and bus users to navigate temporary changes.
As the scheme moves into its second phase next month, residents and businesses will be watching for visible improvements in site management and information provision, while continuing to balance the long-term benefits promised by the works against the immediate economic pressures faced by town centre firms.
