A row has broken out over the planned removal of a puffin crossing outside County Hall in Oxford.

Oxfordshire County Council wants to replace it with a traditional zebra crossing further up the road on the corner of New Road and Castle Street.

Oxford City Access Forum member Nora Mackenzie wants to keep the crossing. Mrs Mackenzie said: “A zebra crossing poses difficulties for people with mobility problems and is even more frightening for people who are blind or partially sighted.”

The county council said the replacement crossing would be on a raised platform with a 20mph speed limit, and would prioritise the pedestrian over the car.

Transport planner Craig Rossington said it would mean pedestrians could cross without having to wait for lights.