CAMPAIGNERS claim the controversial closure of an underpass has put pedestrians at risk, despite zero accidents.

The Headington underpass in London Road was closed exactly 12 months ago as part of a scheme to spruce up the area.

People living nearby say walkers now have to dodge traffic and are more likely to be involved in an accident.

Last night Oxfordshire County Council rejected the claims and said there had been no reported injury accidents.

During the previous year, records show there was one slight injury accident, which involved a pedestrian.

The underpass opened in 1970 and was decorated with murals of local shops and landmarks like the Headington shark.

But last May the council spent £45,000 to fill it in as part of a £2m traffic scheme designed to speed up journey times in London Road and spruce up the Headington shopping precinct.

Campaigner Mick Haines collected 5,447 signatures from people opposed to the scheme ahead of its closure.

However, a council-run consultation showed 58 per cent of 419 people surveyed were happy for the removal of the subway.

Mr Haines said: “We are 12 months on and the situation has got worse.

“The underpass meant you could cross from one side of London Road to the other, safely and quickly.

“Now you see mums with pushchairs and elderly people trying to cross the road and it is an accident waiting to happen. The underpass was also an important part of Headington’s culture and should never have been blocked in.”

A wider pavement will be installed in London Road as well as 19 benches and 16 bins as part of the scheme.

A month after the closur, the council published an online archive of the subway’s murals featuring paintings of the Headington shark, The Hobbit and Oxford United’s former home at the Manor Ground.

Jo Bartlett, of William Street in Marston, said she shops in Headington three times a week.

She said: “The green light on the crossing is very slow and it is dangerous for elderly and disabled people.

“The underpass should never have been filled in because it served an important purpose and made it much safer.

“I truly believe people are now more at risk when they try to cross London Road.”

Council spokesman Owen Morton rejected the claims.

He said: “When the council consulted on the London Road scheme, 58 per cent were in favour of the removal of the subway, and many pedestrians chose not to use it.

“Crossings in Oxford have an excellent safety record and the high-quality replacement crossing now provides everybody with a safe way of getting over the road.”