TOWN and district councillor Les Sibley has withdrawn his objection over Bicester’s replacement hospital.

Mr Sibley objected to the loss of a footpath at the site and could have forced a public inquiry.

Last Friday after talks with Cherwell District Council he withdrew his objection, paving the way for the footpath order to be put in place.

He objected on the grounds the footpath diversion was unnecessary, it would detract from the historic access to the town and the loss of a shortcut between Middleton Stoney Road/Kings End and Piggy Lane.

Now the final hurdle for the £5m replacement of the Kings End hospital will be the decision whether or not to approve funding.