Planning issues which delayed a toucan crossing from being switched on for more than a year have now been resolved.

Budget supermarket Aldi opened its new store in Wootton Road in Abingdon in December 2022.

A toucan crossing was promised to allow those living on the new Kings Gate estate to cross Wootton Road easily to get to the supermarket.

But there were lengthy delays and the crossing only became fully operational last week.

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Roadworks at the site started in March for The Electricity Network Company to carry out work, and the crossing's red lights now stop traffic to allow pedestrians and cyclists to cross safely.

Work at the site continued in March after consultants working for Aldi applied to Vale of White Horse District Council to amend planning permission to take into account an unexpected delay.

(Image: Andy Ffrench) Consultants Planning Potential told the council at the time: "Part of the land that is required for the implementation of the toucan crossing is still in the ownership of David Wilson Homes, not Oxfordshire County Council.

"To allow the construction of the approved toucan crossing to be completed by Aldi, therefore, a licence needs to be obtained from David Wilson Homes for Aldi to carry out the elements of work associated with the approved crossing that are on their land.

"We understand that a licence has now been completed and signed, giving Aldi permission to carry out works on David Wilson Homes land.

"Once road space is available, this will allow Aldi to implement and fully construct the approved toucan crossing located along Wootton Road, which Aldi intend to do so as soon as possible."

The completion of the crossing has been welcomed by Abingdon North county councillor Nathan Ley, who took a photo of himself in front of it when he was out for a cycle ride.

He stated in a public post: "The Wootton Road toucan crossing is finally operational.

"Safe trips finally enabled. Please be aware of this when driving past Aldi."

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About the author 

Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here. 

He joined the team more than 20 years ago and he covers community news across Oxfordshire.

His Trade and Tourism newsletter is released every Saturday morning. 

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