WORK on a controversial nursery in North Oxford has got under way and could be completed by the start of the next academic year.

St John’s College was granted planning permission last year for a nursery to cater for 25 children on a site off Bainton Road, despite concerns it could pose a safety risk to families and cyclists.

The final conditions were signed off last month and work began earlier this week with a completion date set for October.

Concerns that the entrance and exit to the new nursery will be on a blind bend remain.

City councillor for the area Liz Wade said the start of the new school year could be a dangerous time with children using the route to go to SS Philip and James Primary School.

She said: "The concern is not with the building - the real concern is that Bainton Road is a national cycling path.

"The entrance and exit will be between one nearly blind bend and one completely blind bend.

"The route is used by a lot of school children going south towards Phil and Jim's school and north towards The Cherwell School.

"The start of next year could be a difficult time with more cars and cyclists on the road."

A campaign by residents failed to make a difference as planning officers recommended approval and councillors gave it the go-ahead in August.

Bainton Road resident Penny Watt said nothing had been done to alleviate their fears.

She said: "Our concerns were ignored in the planning process and I don't even think there will be any signs put up warning people.

"I have picked up so many cyclists who have fallen off in icy conditions I keep a box of plasters in my house.

"It will be even more dangerous with cars coming in and out of the nursery on the blind bend."

The nursery will be open Mondays to Fridays between 8am and 6pm and cater for children from six months to pre-school age.

It will provide facilities for the children of students, academic, and non-academic staff of St John's College and the wider university.

Professor Andrew Parker, principal bursar, said: "The college makes every effort to protect the heritage of Oxford and the wellbeing of neighbours and residents, whilst working to offer modern facilities and services such as this nursery.

"To address residents’ specific concerns, a full traffic survey was commissioned to measure vehicle flow including the volume and direction of cars and bicycles.

"It was considered that any new volume of traffic created would be reasonable in the context of current traffic flows."

Prof Parker added that drop-off and collection times would be staggered and an off-road turning circle included to make it safer.