I met Cllr Mick Morris from Farthinghoe Parish Council, as well as representatives from West Northamptonshire Council to seek an update on the current situation with the Farthinghoe bypass.

I share the frustration of many local people in Farthinghoe about the lack of progress to advance the bypass.

I questioned WNC staff about the Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR), which they claim is only about 1. (That means the economic value for every pound spent is no more than £1. In road investments the government normally looks for a minimum of £2 value for every £1 spent.) I asked them to provide me and the residents of Farthinghoe with an explanation of how the BCR was calculated. 

Separately, WNC Highways have proposed traffic calming measures for the village of Farthinghoe and the alternatives are traffic lights, creating a single track road in the centre of the village or weight restrictions going through the village. Officers have agreed to provide this information. 

Finally, I have asked WN Highways to report back to me on how much developer funding has been requested for Farthinghoe's bypass from the enormous amount of building taking place in Banbury and Brackley.  

I will update residents once I have received further information on these action points, and in the meantime I will continue to keep the pressure on the local authority for delivery of this vital project.