RESIDENTS in Oxford have been giving their views on the best way forward with the £161m rail station scheme which has closed Botley Road.

Earlier this week it emerged that Network Rail bosses are now considering a series of options for the road as part of the scheme to revamp Oxford rail station.

And one possibility - although it is the least likely option - is for the entire scheme to be postponed indefinitely due to soaring costs.

READ MORE: Botley Road rail scheme could be postponed 

In July, Network Rail announced the road will not reopen at the rail bridge as planned at the end of October, as it is not possible to complete necessary work on schedule. 

County council leader Liz Leffman said she thought the road could stay closed for 'another year'.

Botley Road has remained closed since April last year when Network Rail bosses embarked on a project to revamp the station, replace the rail bridge, build a new platform to boost East West Rail links, and improve the station's western entrance.

A rail insider told the Oxford Mail that three main options now being considered in a review were: continue the work until it is completed, take a break so the county council's traffic filters trial can be introduced, or postpone the work indefinitely due to rising costs.

Now readers have been giving their views on how they think the project should move forward, including one who said it was time for the work to end.

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He added: "The window of opportunity to complete this project has passed, in my view. Whoever is working on it/managing it have had their chance and are clearly unable to deliver.

(Image: Oxford Mail) "I think it's time for people to just kick them out of the space and take back control of the road so we can get on with our business and general mobility.

"It's unacceptable to have to live next to a building site like this and be fed nonsense information about it indefinitely."

But another reader disagreed, saying it would be best for Network Rail and its contractors Kier to 'finish the job while we are all used to it being closed'.

One contributor who commented on the Oxford Mail said it was clear 'nobody involved has the slightest idea how to complete this work'.

He added: "That's why they can't give a timescale and are seriously considering scrapping the whole project.

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"Network Rail have always been hopeless at managing major projects - GWR electrification, West Coast upgrades etc."

One resident said he didn't care about the East West Rail project.

"I as a resident of west Oxford am so very tired of my commute to work taking an extra half an hour because I have to de-bus on the Botley Road then walk to St Aldates and wait for another bus," he added.

(Image: Oxford Mail) Dora Fisher, however, said it was vital the project was completed.

She added: "Rail travel is crucial for sustainable development. Please get on and finish the project. Better to spend the money that's needed now and have the capacity needed for the next few decades."

Dr Elaine Sugden, of North Hinskey, said it was time to 'axe the project and give us our road back'.

She added: "This has been going on for almost 18 months and will go on for at least as long again, with the social and economic costs to individuals and to the city incalculable."

Francis McGarry, investment director for Network Rail’s Wales and Western Region, said earlier he was aware the work was "hugely disruptive", and apologised to everyone impacted by the project.

The review involving Network Rail, contractors Kier, the county council and the Department for Transport could conclude next month.

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About the author 

Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here. 

He joined the team more than 20 years ago and he covers community news across Oxfordshire.

His Trade and Tourism newsletter is released every Saturday morning. 

You can also read his weekly Traffic and Transport newsletter.