THERE are still no set dates for any consultation that could inform where the Oxford-Cambridge expressway goes – but it should take place in the autumn.

The Government could spend at least £4.5bn on a new route linking the two cities as part of work to create an 'arc' of economic prosperity.

Critics have said it is unnecessary, while some residents are concerned it could have an impact on the Green Belt in South Oxfordshire.

Others are worried homes along the A34 in Botley might need to be demolished if a route along that is picked.

A Highways England spokesman said: "We’re still in the planning stages for the public consultation, so we aren’t able to commit to exact dates yet."

He added: "It’s still set to take place in the autumn and once we have the dates confirmed we’ll make sure that local residents and people working along the corridor are the first to know about it."

Campaigners had been opposed to any use of the Otmoor nature reserve, between Oxford and Bicester, for the new road. The Department for Transport said last September it had been ruled out, but in January former transport minister Jesse Norman said all possible routes could still be picked in the future.

He has since moved to the Treasury and has been replaced by Northampton North MP Michael Ellis.