Oxford city centre streets to undergo extensive repairs

Extensive repairs are expected to take place on Cornmarket Street in the summer

Two historic streets are to get a facelift.

Councillor Susanna Pressel told Oxfordshire County Council's full council meeting on Tuesday that Cornmarket Street and Queen Street in Oxford were in a "shameful state".

She asked Andrew Gant, head of transport management, when they would be "properly resurfaced".

Mr Gant admitted she was "quite right - they're a bit of a mess" and said repairs would take place in the summer.

It will involve the replacement and refurbishment of paving, with a budget of about £600,000 assigned to the project.

In her question to Mr Gant, submitted ahead of the meeting, the councillor for Jericho and Osney described both city centre shopping streets as "possibly the most prominent and heavily-used streets in the county, at least by pedestrians".

Project duration

Mr Gant replied: "Extensive repair works are planned for both Cornmarket Street and Queen Street in this financial year.

"Works are expected to take place in the summer, starting on Queen Street.

"The project duration will be between nine to 12 weeks depending upon conditions and external factors.

"However, start dates are dependent on delivery of specialist materials from abroad and it is not yet possible to provide a confirmed date."

Ms Pressel said she was "very glad to hear that these iconic streets are going to have extensive repair works".

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