Sir – The Oxford Half Marathon, to be run on Sunday, has a new route, causing chaos for our small business and threatening to cause added chaos on event day itself.

Stagecoach Theatre Arts’s access is directly off Marston Ferry Road, one of the roads closed completely in the morning. The organisers’ contact with us has been non-existent prior to this event. The closure of the only east-west artery left unaffected by major roadworks in North Oxford is bound to cause travel misery.

There are many excellent reasons to hold a half marathon in Oxford. I applaud the fundraising for many charities.

However, this is very much at the expense of local business, local residents and anyone wishing to travel around the city.

The assumption that nothing happens on Sunday morning is just wrong. Not everyone is a runner or interested in the half marathon.

Stagecoach’s morning classes on October 11 will relocate to Headington Prep School, although the afternoon classes will run at The Cherwell School’s South Site as usual.

Maya Sprigg
Stagecoach Theatre Arts