Parish leaders believe their village will become an even busier rat-run for drivers if Thames Valley Police are allowed to build a new headquarters nearby, writes Peter Barrington.

Bucknell residents claim that since the M40 opened in 1991, the main road through the village has become a short-cut for drivers wanting to reach the M40 junction at Ardley from Bicester and elsewhere.

Their worries have led Bucknell parish councillors to oppose the plan to build new police headquarters at Gowell Farm, Howes Lane, Bicester.

The police already have a motorway patrol base plus vehicle workshops on the site.

Derek Hedges, parish council vice-chairman, said: "When the patrol base was opened the police told us they would not go through Bucknell to reach the M40. But they do and other drivers use the same route.

The headquarters would generate a lot more traffic as there will be about 800 staff going in and out of the site every day."

Councillors also objected to the police authority proposal to sell off surplus land at Howes Lane for housing to help finance the headquarters.

Mr Hedges said they were worried at the prospect of a substantial housing estate being built on greenfield land outside the the Bicester ring road, of which Howes Lane forms part.