Fears over the risk of flooding on a road dubbed "the worst A-road in Oxfordshire" continue as the county council carries out vital resurfacing and drainage works.
The A417 Farringdon Road outside Wantage was infamous for its massive potholes and flooding issues.
Oxfordshire County Council has been carrying out drainage works on the road between Silver Lane and Woodhill Lane since early June and has resurfaced part of the road.
But county councillor Lee Evans has warned the situation could go “back to square one” if flooding returns in the winter.
The matter was discussed at Oxfordshire County Council’s full council meeting on Tuesday, July 8.
In a written statement to the cabinet member for transport management Andrew Gant, Mr Evans said: “The appalling condition of the A417 between Stanford in the Vale and Wantage has inconvenienced local residents for far too long. “There is considerable relief that some of the road has finally been resurfaced, but residents are anxious that if the flooding is not addressed then the road will become impassable again in the winter.”
Mr Gant responded in writing that he would do everything he could to “mitigate and minimise the risk of recurrence” and that he had visited the road a few weeks ago. He added there were multiple stakeholders involved including landowners.
Speaking after the meeting, Mr Evans, who represents Kingston and Stanford, said: “The A417 between Stanford in the Vale and Wantage has been dubbed ‘the worst A-road in Oxfordshire’ for good reason. The flooding and ruined road surface has been a nightmare for two years. I’m very pleased that much of the road has been resurfaced. But it’s now essential that the issues with flooding are fully addressed."
“If the necessary action isn’t taken, then we could be back to square one in the winter. I’ll continue to do everything in my power to ensure the A417 is fully repaired and safe to drive on.”
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This article was first published by the Oxford Mail reporter Esme Kenney.
