Progress on a key study to improve the outdated road pattern in Didcot and surrounding villages will be outlined at an area forum.

Because of plans for the redevelopment of Didcot town centre and the large-scale expansion of housing on the western edge of the town, planners and developers are awaiting the outcome of the county council's integrated transport strategy for the area.

Margaret Davies, town councillor and a member of South Oxfordshire District Council, said: "The transport policy study will be a key factor in the development of Didcot where the road and transport arrangements for the area hark back to an agricultural era."

Mrs Davies, a member of the steering group working with transport consultants in the preparation of the study, will chair the public forum -- to be held at East Hagbourne village hall, on December 12, at 7pm.

Peter Mann, county council group manager for transport planning, said the forum would be an opportunity for town and parish councils from the area, as well as the public, to hear an update on work on the integrated transport strategy which was started in the autumn.

By next spring, Mr Mann said it was hoped to unveil recommendations for improvements, and proposals for public transport, traffic calming, and other measures throughout the area, including villages around Didcot where there are already major traffic problems.

Also on the traffic front, the forum will consider extensions and changes to 30mph speed in the area.

District council spokesman Sally Truman said the forum was a platform for councillors and people from the area to raise any issue affecting the county and district councils, including new arrangements to deal with highway drainage, potholes and repairs.