RESIDENTS fear the decision on the route of a new south-east link road near Bicester is already a “done deal”.

Oxfordshire County Council put forward for consultation two options for the new road from the A41 near J9 of the M40 to Graven Hill.

One proposes connecting to Vendee Drive roundabout and the other option is further south, joining the A41 nearer Wendlebury.

Residents of the village, just south of Bicester, fear the recent introduction of a four-lane carriageway over the train line could be a sign of things to come.

At the village consultation, Wendlebury parish councillor Charlotte Carry said: “We are very sceptical as they have built this bridge on what is supposed to be agricultural land. We have been told that of course it is not intended for this and is just something that has to be future-proof.

“But now there happens to be a four-lane carriageway that could be used for a route that we don’t want.

“The council has listened, to be fair, and got out the two options but it is a huge concern because it feels like it is already a done deal. We have spent the last two years fighting this and if that’s the case it’s really demoralising.”

The county council says the new route is needed to cater for growth in Bicester. The A41 now dissects the town.

Option two leads to the A41 near Wendlebury, but Mrs Carry said the common concern for villagers was the impact, including the added noise, light and air pollution.

She said: “The idea of this route fills us with horror. The boxing-in is a big problem.

“You have this idea that as a village we will be trapped.”

Jean Bebbington, 76, who has lived in Wendlebury for 38 years, said: “We look as if we are going to be an island within traffic and I worry it will be much harder getting in and out the village.”

Further consultations will be held today at the Littlebury Hotel in Kings End, Bicester, from noon and 7pm.

Tomorrow it moves to the John Paul Centre II Centre in Causeway, Bicester, from 10am to 4pm.

The closing date to have a say is Friday, December 18.