A LACK of secure cycling spaces at the Westgate Centre could deter cyclists from visiting Oxford, a campaigner has warned.

In November last year cyclists were warned there had been a 70 per cent increase in the annual number of bike thefts, with 2,339 stolen from June 2016.

Simon Hunt, of cycle campaign group Cyclox spoke out as a petition called for the Westgate Centre to keep its pledge of providing a secure hub and 1,022 cycle racks.

On the opening day of the new £440m shopping centre, on October 24, only 142 spaces had been provided.

Now, more than three months on, cycling campaigners want answers on why all the bike racks, and secure indoor cycle parking in Greyfriars Street, have not been provided.

Mr Hunt said: “Bikes thefts in Oxford have been going up and this lack of provision could lead to more thefts – it’s a major concern for cyclists and a deterrent for them.

“Some cyclists might be deterred from coming into Oxford because they are worried about their bikes being stolen.

“If you lock your bike to a stand that does provide some security but it would be ideal if you could put your bike in a secure hub.”

“My latest count shows there are about 300 bike stands.

"The rest of the spaces should be provided now, together with the secure hub.

“As well as a lack of spaces for shoppers there’s a lack of spaces for shop staff.”

An Oxfordshire Green Party petition handed to Oxford City Council on Monday said one of the planning conditions attached to the development of the Westgate Shopping Centre was the provision of 1,022 bike parking spaces.

Green city councillor Craig Simmons said: “Hundreds of bike racks have now been provided, including some by the council in St Ebbe’s so some progress has been made but it’s too little too late.

“The council must consider enforcing the planning condition, backed by fines if necessary – cyclists across the city are very disappointed by what has been provided so far.”

The petition said: “These bike racks were intended to replace those removed from the city centre during the construction works and provide additional spaces to encourage more sustainable travel.”

Sara Fuge, development manager for Westgate Oxford Alliance said: “We would like to assure visitors that we are continuing to work hard to complete the installation of cycle spaces. There are cycle spaces around John Lewis on Thames Street and Norfolk Street, on Old Greyfriars Street where it meets Faulkner Street and Pike Terrace as well as on St Ebbe’s Street and Penny Farthing Place."