Shiplake residents can expect long-awaited improvements to Church Lane, following confirmation that the road has been included in Oxfordshire County Council’s resurfacing programme for the 2026–27 financial year. The road has been heavily affected by potholes and surface water during periods of rain, has been a persistent concern for our local community.

The Parish Council, alongside local residents, the Church and Shiplake College, has campaigned for several years to secure repairs. Our efforts have now been rewarded with the inclusion of Church Lane in the council’s forward works plan.

Leigh Rawlins, our local county councillor, has played a key role in advocating for the project during the most recent round of road scheme planning. Church Lane now appears on Oxfordshire County Council’s official map of scheduled works for 2026–27, although a confirmed start date has yet to be announced.

Further updates will be provided as more details on the timing and scope of the resurfacing become available

Chris Penrose, Chair, Shiplake Parish Council