The plight of the more than 400 boaters who call the city centre section of the Oxford Canal home is reason enough to get a working boatyard back on the historic site at Jericho Wharf.

Beyond that, the demonstrable need for a fit-for-purpose, accessible community centre and public space for people in Jericho makes the argument convincing.

And beyond even that, locals’ pleas to build something Oxford “can be proud of” next door to the ‘Jericho Basilica’, St Barnabas Church, proves the logic behind the fight.

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In the 33 years since the old boatyard, Orchard Cruisers, shut down, Jericho Wharf has become a battleground between community interest and the cynical investment........

© Oxford Mail