A SEMI-RETIRED carer is urging county council contractors to leave vegetation in place when they create a new widened cycle track.

Sylvia Barker, 74, who lives in South Oxford, said she was concerned that greenery along the Thames towpath was being cut back to make way for the new facilities.

After spotting vegetation cleared near Donnington Bridge she urged contractors to take care when laying the cycle path in other parts of the city.

Mum-of-two Mrs Barker, who works part-time for Cutteslowe Community Association, said: “I’m really upset by this because it’s stripping the character of the river away.

“I would like to request that the plans which are under way to remove the trees, bushes and grass verges that grow along the towpath as far as the Old Gasworks bridge be halted until the pedestrians and ramblers who use the towpath are consulted.

“The plan is to replace the environmentally-friendly stretch of the riverbank with a three-metre wide cycle track.

“I’m not against cyclists - I used to be one myself - but this plan will rid the whole length of the riverbank of everything that makes this stretch of the river such a pleasant and environmentally-friendly area.”

Ms Barker described the riverbank as “a green oasis”.

She added: “It’s a place where people, residents and tourists alike, who want to get away from the city can relax, enjoy the scenery and admire the wildlife.

“All manner of birds, bats and small creatures such as water voles live in the present lush green habitat.”

Oxfordshire County Council spokesman Martin Crabtree said work on the first section of the towpath, from Donnington Bridge to Folly Bridge, would be completed by about June 13.

The next section of works, from Folly Bridge to Gasworks Bridge, is due to start on Monday, June 4 and is expected to last for up to seven weeks.

He added: “The ‘Riverside route to city centre’ scheme aims to improve off-road pedestrian and cycle links between residential areas and Oxford city centre.

“The towpath can be used by both cyclists and pedestrians.

“The work we are doing will make it easier for both to share the route in safety by widening the path where possible. We have listened to feedback from people relating to vegetation.”