VANDALS who damaged a long-awaited bollard to restrict traffic in Kidlington have been criticised by a parish council leader.

Kidlington Parish Council’s David Betts hit out after the High Street rising bollard was attacked days before it was planned to start operation.

Mr Betts said: “It is mindless vandalism. I think it is probably somebody who has seen it and thought, ‘That is a novelty, I will do something with this.’”

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He said: “We have been waiting over a year for this – that is what exacerbates it.

“I want to make sure it is properly operational. I am slightly frustrated – it has become increasingly embarrassing.”

The installation of the bollard was agreed in 2012 but not put in place until last month because it needed the final sign-off from Oxfordshire County Council.

Part of High Street, from Barclays Bank to Oxford Road, was pedestrianised two years ago.

All traffic except disabled shoppers and unloading vehicles is banned from 10am to 4.30pm but this is not enforced.

The bollard will block entry to the road and residents and businesses will be able to get past with a swipe card.

Mr Betts said: “I am very much looking forward to it. I can’t remember how many times I have said that to the Oxford Mail.

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“I hope it will create a safe environment for pedestrians to walk around and encourage people who want to invest in shop units to think this is a nice environment to have customers in.”

Robert Windle, owner of Robert’s Discount by the bollard in High Street, said: “It is unfortunate somebody vandalised it.

“We were all looking forward to it – we thought we would have a brass band on opening day. It is a shame because everybody is asking about it. They are getting frustrated.

“We will forget about it when it is working. It has been going on for three years and the end is nigh.”

David Bartlett, of Bartlett’s Butchers, High Street, said: “I am open-minded. They are promising us all these pedestrians will be flocking into the High Street but I will believe it when I see it.”

Cherwell District Council paid £52,000 to install the bollard and £3,000-a-year running costs are due to be shared with the parish council.

District spokesman Tony Ecclestone said: “Replacement items are being sourced. It is likely to be fixed next week.”


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