AS SOMEONE that lives alongside the main railway line, I can understand the concerns of Wolvercote residents voiced in your paper when they see their branch line is to be turned into a main line.

Some months ago I suggested in your letters column that a solution to their problem would be to build the flyover – identified by Network Rail as required in the longer-term because of the increase in rail traffic – sooner than suggested and north of the ring road. This solution could have the benefit of taking the railway completely out of Wolvercote.

As a project it might well benefit more residents than the proposed flood relief channel suggested for the western side of the city and represent at least as good value for money.

The Labour city council seems oblivious to the demands of residents for action with regard to the railway, some of whom live in my county division.

That is not surprising since Labour has also refused to join other local authorities in contributing to the development of East-West rail as part of the reopening of the railway to Cambridge.

Perhaps, Oxford City Council might put the money it has so far saved towards a feasibility study of my idea to remove the railway from Wolvercote.

Cllr JOHN HOWSON
St Margaret’s Division
ewley Road, Oxford