New Oxford Cycle Track

The purpose of HPANWO Voice is not to cover local environmental issues, but I'm going to make an exception in this case. Near where I usually work there is a recreation ground bordered by copses of trees. Oxford City Council has a plan to build a new cycle track across the ground. Currently pedestrians and bikes are following an informal diagonal track across it which has left a muddy rut. This obviously needs to change and a paved eight-foot wide cycle track is a good idea. However, they plan to drive it through the copse on the southern edge of the ground meaning twenty-five trees will have to be felled. This includes some mature willows that soak up a lot of water which eases flooding a massive problem in the Isis bank area. They also clean the air, provide shade from the sun and shelter from the rain. They are also a habitat to millions of insects, plants and fungi. Source: https://www.oxford.gov.uk/cycle-route-improvements/donnington-playing-fields-cycle-path. Residents have an alternative suggestion. Extend the cycle track at right angles along the southern edge of the ground inside the copse and keep the existing gate. That would save the trees at little inconvenience to cyclists. If you live in Oxford please email the OCC and voice your objection: planning@oxford.gov.uk. Quote this reference: 22/02446/CT3.