West Oxfordshire District Council has submitted a bid for £16.7m to the Government’s Levelling Up Fund to build a new underpass under the A40 to link communities, accelerate the introduction of a new science and technology park and boost the economy of Carterton.
Cllr Michele Mead, Leader of West Oxfordshire District Council, said: “We have worked really hard over recent weeks to submit this bid to the Government which could be a huge boost to the area.
“This funding would help bring forward some really exciting projects that will have long term benefits for communities across West Oxfordshire by providing a stronger local economy, more jobs and a better ability to travel across the district.
“It also plays a big role in our efforts to tackle the climate emergency through encouraging sustainable travel and the proposed underpass is a great example of this.”
The development of a new science and technology park would be brought forward by the faster construction of a new roundabout on the A40 which is currently scheduled for construction in several years. The roundabout complements the wider works in Oxfordshire County Council’s A40 Smart Corridor Project for which they have been awarded almost £100m from the Government’s Housing and Infrastructure Fund to improve journey times along the busy road. 
The proposed new underpass under the A40 would help link communities on either side of the dual carriageway near Eynsham and help improve routes for cycling, walking and other forms of sustainable travel. It would also provide a direct link for the new Salt Cross community.
A successful bid would also provide funding into a proposed economic regeneration project in Carterton that would look to bring new jobs and businesses into the area, tapping into the potential of the highly skilled workforce already living there.
Councillor Mead said: “We know that there are a lot of highly skilled people in Carterton and not many jobs to serve them so this regeneration project would look to address that balance.
“Carterton has huge potential, and if we are successful with the bid it will help us start a project that would look to invest in the area and kick-start new jobs and businesses coming to Carterton, supporting future generations.
“It is important that we submit bids like this to help bring vital funding into West Oxfordshire and we will continue to do so where we can to help improve our communities. Now we will have to wait and hope we are successful.”
All councils across the UK were offered the opportunity to bid for the Levelling Up Fund which was announced earlier this year. West Oxfordshire worked closely with other district councils and with Oxfordshire County Council to develop and deliver the bid, which was supported and endorsed by Witney MP, Robert Courts. 
Central Government is expected to announce the successful councils this Autumn.

Residents and businesses across the District are being asked for their views on the future of Witney High Street.
A year ago, in response to the pandemic, the High Street was closed to vehicles and pavements were widened to allow for better social distancing, aiding pedestrians and encouraging cyclists.
Now a survey has been launched to look at future options for the High Street and to gauge whether people want it to re-open completely, remain as it is now or put forward other ideas for the council to consider.
Cllr Suzi Coul, Cabinet Member for Finance, said: “We really want to hear from residents and businesses about what they want to see happen in the High Street with restrictions due to be completely lifted in a few weeks’ time.
“The pandemic has forced us to change the way we live in many cases across our lives, some negative and some positive. The changes to Witney High Street helped during Covid-19 restrictions and we now want resident views on what its future could look like, learning the lessons from the changes brought in during the pandemic.
“As restrictions ease we would like to explore all our options to see which would best benefit our local communities before just reverting back to how we were pre-pandemic.
“Our key priorities as a council include building a vibrant district economy, supporting healthy towns and villages and promoting positive wellbeing for everyone and our local town centres play a big role in all those areas, which is why it is important we look at our options.
“Whatever your views, please let us know by completing the survey. We look forward to hearing from as many of you as possible.”
You can complete the survey here

A new county-wide programme will support hundreds of residents most affected by Covid-19 to move more and protect their health and wellbeing.
Move Together is co-ordinated by Active Oxfordshire and district councils across the county and will provide personalised support for people who are clinically extremely vulnerable and who have been shielding as a result of the pandemic.
A wide range of support and activity choice will be available, including home activity packs, ‘phone calls, community activities, exercise sessions for specific conditions, digital apps and much more.
Cllr Merilyn Davies, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, said: “We know how difficult it has been to exercise during lockdown for many residents, especially the clinically extremely vulnerable who may have been shielding.
“The Move Together programme has something for everyone, whatever their needs and will be a fantastic boost for physical and mental health as we continue to recover from the pandemic.”
The support provided will be personalised to each individual based on their specific needs and provided by physical activity specialists. 
Move Together will reach vulnerable residents across the county, helping them to increase their physical activity levels in a way that works for them.
Paul Brivio, Chief Executive of Active Oxfordshire, said: “We’re delighted to be able to launch Move Together across Oxfordshire with local authority and voluntary sector partners working together to ensure that physical activity can play a key role in our county’s recovery from the Covid-19 crisis.
“The benefits of moving more are significant and Move Together will not only improve residents’ physical and mental health, but will help to reduce isolation and loneliness too. Move Together is set to transform hundreds of lives through the power of physical activity.”
On Tuesday 6 July at 10am, a webinar will be held for Oxfordshire organisations and partners interested in referring into the scheme. It is open to any organisation working with people most affected by Covid-19 and will provide lots of information and advice about signing up for Move Together.
For more information and to get involved, see: https://www.getoxfordshireactive.org/move-together