OXFORD looks set to get a direct rail connection with Gatwick Airport by 2020.

London’s second-largest international airport has announced a range of measures to improve its reach, which includes an aim to connect with 175 mainline stations in the next six years.

Airport spokesman Russell Guthrie said: “The connection to Oxford will be (part of) improvements to rail infrastructure at Reading and to Milton Keynes.”

He added that the connection to Oxford would not happen until Gatwick completes its direct rail link to Cambridge and Peterborough in 2019.

Oxfordshire County Council member for environment and transport David Nimmo Smith said he was unaware of the proposals, but said: “The council has not yet thought this though, but it is an interesting idea and would be a big benefit for Oxford.”

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