The £161m Network Rail scheme to upgrade Oxford Station has meant that Botley Road has been closed to traffic since April last year, with no clear end date in sight.

Layla Moran, Liberal Democrat MP for Oxford West and Abingdon, spoke to parliament about the “mismanagement” of the project, which Network Rail call Oxfordshire Connect, during the Ministerial Statement on Rail Performance.

She also asked to meet with the Transport Secretary, Louise Haigh, to discuss the issue further.

Ms Haigh agreed to meet with Ms Moran, and echoed her concerns about the project.

She said: “I completely emphasise and agree that the situation on Oxford is not good enough, and the characterisation [Ms Moran] has given is part of the reason that Network Rail is being abolished as we establish Great British Railways.”

(Image: Screenshot from the parliament live feed) Speaking afterwards, Ms Moran said: “I was grateful for the opportunity to raise issues faced by businesses and local residents thanks to the continued delays to the Oxford Station upgrade.

“I am glad the Secretary of State heard my concerns and agreed to meet with me to discuss them.

“Network Rail has demonstrated utterly shambolic project management from start to finish, and residents have lost all faith in them to deliver this project.

“I look forward to meeting with the Transport Secretary, to explain residents’ worries, and to find an acceptable way forward.”

(Image: Screenshot from the parliamentary live feed) Local businesses on Botley Road say they have experienced a 60 per cent drop in income, and are deeply worried about the impact of the continued road closure on trade during the Christmas period.

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When approached for comment, a Network Rail spokesperson said, “We understand the impact on local businesses and the community around our work at Botley Road as part of the Oxfordshire Connect programme to upgrade Oxford station and the surrounding area.

“We’re working with local businesses to help understand their concerns and are actively promoting them during our work.

“We meet with them regularly and are delivering improvements based on their feedback; we’re committed to continuing to do so.

“The Oxfordshire Connect programme will enable more train services to run, including the complete East West Rail link mentioned in the autumn Budget, as well as upgrading and enhancing the station and environment.”

Ms Moran plans to meet businesses on Botley Road who have been affected by the ongoing roadworks later this week.

The road was supposed to reopen at the end of October, but Network Rail confirmed in July that it would not open on time.