THE owner of a riding school insists noise from the upgraded Oxford to Bicester railway line is a hazard to those on horseback –and says she may have to close the stables.

The owner of Wendlebury Gate Stables, near Bicester, Hazel Offord, said noise from passing trains often interrupted lessons, leading to worries that riders could be unable to hear instructors and that trains could frighten horses.

The 47-year-old said that if trains become more frequent on the line, lessons could no longer continue at the school.

She said: "We have made minor changes to keep riders close, but the biggest concern is the continuing increase in trains with the new line upgrade and the expected increase in freight trains.

"At the moment you get a flurry of trains in the morning and evening with a few less throughout the day.

"Thankfully our pupils have been very understanding and we all hope it is temporary."

The problem has building at the 30-year-old business for six years since plans were first unveiled for the new line upgrade.

Ms Offord's father, and co-owner of the stables, John Offord said initially there was a public enquiry which confirmed there would be a safety impact on the riding school and transport minister at the time Philip Hammond said Network Rail should mitigate the noise and create safe conditions.

Since then, Network Rail has offered a number of solutions including a noise barrier and to build an indoor riding school but the owners say the solutions are inadequate.

Network Rail spokesman Simon Masters said: "Network Rail recognises that work of this scale can impact on the local community and in light of this we have been in lengthy discussions with the stable owner.

"We have made a substantial offer to the resident including new facilities such as an indoor riding school and stables, which have been declined."

Mr Offord said the noise barrier made no difference to noise, and added the proposed indoor riding school would only accommodate about half of the lessons at peak times, had no pedestrian access and no guarantee of effective sound insulation.

Plus a £7,500 yearly price tag for business rates.

Mr Offord has complained to Cherwell District Council and called for support in holding Network Rail accountable for providing a solution, but to no avail.

Mr Offord said: "We have tried everything, every avenue and now are just waiting to hear back from the Ombudsman.

"Hazel does have sleepless nights about it because this is her future and things are so uncertain.

"She started the business when she was 18-years-old with one horse and a borrowed paddock and now there's 25 horses and hundreds of clients.

"For example three people from one family work here, so if we had to close it would be disastrous for them.

"You would think Cherwell District Council would recognise that and help support its residents."

Ms Offord said that as Bicester headed towards 'healthy town' status and was labelled a Garden City, it should be supporting activities such as riding.

Mr Masters added: "The new railway through Oxfordshire is vital to accommodate the significant increase in train travel over the coming years. It will provide better connectivity between London and Oxford and will provide increased economic benefits to the whole region.”

No from the district council was available for comment.