The Parish Path Warden reports . . .

As a Parish Path Warden my duties include inspecting the Rights of Way (RoW) paths, reporting issues to OCC such as obstructions, damage or any major clearance needed. I carry out minor maintenance and vegetation clearance around gates and styles etc. I also clean and replace direction signs where needed.

I also want to take this opportunity to thank anybody who helps clear the pathways of (mostly) brambles and stinging nettles. Often when I think I need to check a pathway I find it has already been done, so thank you again.

Please let me know if you discover any problems on the Launton Parish footpaths at jackie.hackett@launton-pc.gov.uk

The below report affects the RoW pathway running from West End over the fields, through the railway arch and into the next fields at Wretchwick.

Network Rail are carrying out major works to maintain track quality and passenger safety to the main railway embankment. This is due to movement and deterioration of the embankment. Works started in July 2025 with completion set for the end of April 2026.

During this time, Murphy’s (contracted by Network Rail) will be building temporary haul roads and compound areas in the adjacent fields either side of the embankment to facilitate the work.

Murphy’s have agreed with the OCC Countryside Access Officer and myself to leave footpaths open for as long as practical. Once closed, they will reopen them every Friday at 13:00 through to Mondays at 07:00.

When closed, Murphy’s will establish a diversion route (see below) which will be clearly signed. The closure will be required only when the construction works “cut-through” the footpath. When a closure is needed only for construction traffic, Murphy’s will remove the diversion and implement a traffic light crossing system to ensure construction traffic stops to enable the public to pass safely.

I have also spoken to the Countryside Access Officer about the winter flooding problems on this section of RoW, under the archway, and we are optimistic that we can make improvements when Network Rail have finished their works.

Jackie Hackett, Launton Parish Path Warden

The closed footpath under the railwayand the diversion route

See the report from the Parish Path Warden above. The footpath diversion (in yellow) that will be fully signed goes from the path under the embankment back to the lane at the bottom of West End then left up the green lane, through the Peace Park, across the fields behind the houses on West End, and up to the gate into the Churchyard, then toward Bicester on the main footpath. Once over the style onto the ring road, turn left and walk south under the railway to the first roundabout then left to the signed footpath, then you join up with the other end of the diversion.