WATER-FILLED barriers have been used as a “last resort” to stop drivers ignoring road closure signs.

Cow Lane in Denchworth is closed to stop people using it as a shortcut whilst the A417 at East Challow is closed for works until early December.

Oxfordshire County Council originally put up temporary closure signs but these were deliberately taken down or removed, so last week it put up signs housed in concrete.

But the council said drivers continued to “flout” the closure, so it put up the permanent barriers on Wednesday, which still allow residents access.

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Cabinet member for highways David Nimmo Smith said: “This is really our last resort but unfortunately the behaviour of some motorists has left us with no choice but to put up a physical barrier.

“This is a minor route used regularly by pedestrians and horse riders, and it just isn’t safe as a rush-hour diversion for large numbers of vehicles.

“But people aren’t taking heed of the signs, so we’re having to stop them by other means.”

The A417 is shut while Network Rail rebuilds Challow Station Road Bridge as part of its £2bn electrification of the Great Western Main Line.


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