Oxford's historic Martyrs Memorial in St Giles is being used as a "builders' dump", according to the city's Lord Mayor.

The memorial currently has railings around it and is waiting for repairs to be carried out.

Cllr Maureen Christian told the city planning committee: "This memorial has such a visual impact at one of the major entrances to the city. At the moment, it looks as though it is being used as a builders' dump around the bottom."

Committee chairman Cllr John Goddard, confirmed that it was the third planning meeting where the same point had been made. He said the city works department knew of the committee's concerns.

Many members said they too were anxious to get the repair work started as soon as possible.

The total cost of the project will be about £105,000 and will hopefully be funded from three major sources. The city council, English Heritage and the Trust for Oxford's Environment (Toe) will each contribute £30,000 with the remaining £10,000 coming from private sponsors.

At present, applications are being made to English Heritage and TOE but councillors want the council money to get work underway.

Cllr Jackie Gray said: "If the applications to these organisations are likely to be acceptable because the memorial is such a historical feature of Oxford, I can't see why we can't start work now."

But Council officer Nick Worlledge said that he would not wish council money to be jeopardised by starting work before the funds are secured.