CONTRACTORS behind the controversial inter-hospital heating pipeline in Headington have pulled out of tonight's meeting at the last minute.

Residents had hoped to quiz Vital Energi over the £14.8m scheme, which is currently on hold due to confusion over who owns the land affected by the pipeline route.

Vital Energi had pledged to attend in the hope of putting residents' "minds at ease" after it began work on the project before it has secured planning permission, meaning it had to resurface roads it had already begun to dug up.

Fears were also raised the temporary closure of Old Road, Sandfield Road, London Road and Latimer Road would lead to residents being unable to access their homes during the18-month scheme.

But according to Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which has commissioned the scheme, Vital Energi has postponed the meeting because it did not "really get the time" to alert everyone along the route after making the pledge last Thursday.

Spokeswoman for the trust Jo Lennon added: "There will be a specific meeting where Vital Energi can talk one on one with everyone on and around the route who has a concern about access to their property."

Headington resident Colin Busby said he thought it was "essential" Vital Energi met with residents to discuss how the road closures would affect residents on a day-to-day basis.

He said: "Communication from Vital Energi has been incredibly poor. We need to know what's going on and our minds need to be put at ease."