21/09/2026
The Witney Chamber of Commerce have released the attached email, regarding the High St works.
Our thoughts:
We have talked to many people who actually have no idea what is taking place in the High Street, regarding the works. No idea!
We have also talked to many people who genuinely thought the High Street was going to be a completely pedestrianised paradise. They were sold the idea of a cafe culture, with people and cyclists wandering along the tree and flower lined street, stopping on one of the many benches to enjoy a traffic free, fume free environment. Or maybe enjoying some lunch or a glass of w**e, as if they were in a holiday location!
We have also talked to people that do not believe the changes over the last 5 years have had a deeply detrimental effect on our small business.
We are not shocked to hear that there is now no budget for all of the 15 trees, flower planters and benches. The items that sold the scheme to some of the public. It would appear that the planters were never going to be installed!
We have been let down so many times on the redevelopment of the High Street, we can sadly just shrug it off, but we feel sorry for the people promised a vision that is crumbling even before the finish date.
Let’s hope, unlike many things, that the people controlling what happens to our wonderful, historic town keep to their promises.
Also, if we are asked to help fund it, it will be a very sharp NO.
