DEVELOPERS building new homes at Didcot’s Great Western Park are being urged to build a new cycle path to improve safety.

Town councillors have written to Taylor Wimpey urging the firm to get on and build the cycle path between the new entrance to the estate in Wantage Road and Foxhall Road.

Councillor Margaret Davies has urged the developer had agreed to construct the cycle path as part of a legal agreement with South Oxfordshire District Council but has not yet done so.

As a result, the town council has objected to the latest planning application for 105 new homes to the north of Wantage Road, at the estate where 3,300 homes will be built by 2026. More than 600 houses on the estate are already occupied.

Mrs Davies said: “The cycle path was meant to be in place before the homes were occupied, but unfortunately that hasn’t happened.

“As well as the installation of a new cycle path and route for pedestrians there is also supposed to be a toucan crossing installed on Wantage Road, between Oxford Crescent and Drake Avenue.

“It’s a crucial way of improving road safety – kids walk along there.

“As new homes are built at Great Western Park the amount of traffic is bound to increase. There is a mile-long pavement between the Wantage Road entrance to the estate and Foxhall Road but there’s no cycle way.”

Taylor Wimpey spokesman Bernie Goodjohn said: “We remain committed to providing this cycle path, as outlined in the Section 106 agreement for the development.

“When the signalised junction linking the northern and southern site across Wantage Road is opened – triggering the part of the Section 106 agreement which relates to the need for a cycle path – we will be pleased to meet our obligation. The designs are being considered by Oxfordshire County Council at present. We envisage beginning work on the junction – and the cycle path thereafter – early next year.”

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