Plans for a new special school based east of the Warriner along Bloxham Grove Road have ground to a halt following concerns that it would be compounding the already significant  traffic problems at school-run times.  The new school would accommodate 100 pupils with special needs and is estimated to require 60 staff.

Bloxham Parish Council voiced concerns that decisions regarding the new school needed a more convincing evaluation of the peak-time flow of traffic onto and off what is already one of the most dangerous stretches of road in the country – the A361 – and it’s impact upon the many young pedestrians having to cross it.

Their concerns were echoed by numerous Cherwell District councillors despite the fact Oxfordshire Highways seem to have no objections about the plans. In this far flung corner of the county many residents are still scratching their heads over a previous decision by Oxfordshire Highways to move the speed restriction from nearer to Wykham Mill to within a few yards of the main school exit!

One of Cherwell’s own planning officers commented that councillors should just consider the application before them whilst at the same time appreciating there are probably existing problems: a statement which questionably equates to, “We know there are considerable existing problems but, hey,  let’s now add to them!”

Despite the fact Oxfordshire County Council were obviously keen to see the proposal ‘rubber-stamped’ and underway Cherwell councillors deferred the decision until they have a proper chance to see the situation for themselves which will not now be until schools return in September.

We doubt  fiddling around with the width of the junction is going to provide any safe solution.  Maybe we need to move the speed limit back towards Banbury but also install some proper vehicle and pedestrian traffic light control at the junction –  even if they only operate at school-run times?