CYCLISTS and pedestrians in Oxford fear building work which led to a cycle lane and footway near Oxford railway station being narrowed is putting their safety at risk.

Work is taking place to extend Oxford University’s Said Business School next to the railway station and campaigners say this has led to the narrowing of the cycle way from Stable Close off Rewley Road to the station, which is used by hundreds of pedestrians and cyclists each day.

Former Green city councillor Sushila Dhall has called for urgent action to improve safety in the area.

Speaking on behalf of Oxford Pedestrians’ Association, she said: “Until about a year ago there was a wide green lane for cyclists and a tarmac lane for walkers.

“But now the cycle lane and footway has been narrowed because the business school has taken up most of the path for building materials.

“You are fired out into the road where buses and taxis turn and people come out of the station’s short-stay car park.

“Drivers seem to think pedestrians and cyclists have no right to be there and honk their horns at you.

“I believe a pedestrian or cyclist could be killed or seriously injured here unless something is done urgently.”

Said Business School operations director Mat Davies said that the temporary width reduction to the cycle lane was approved by the city council planning department.

He added: “While we are of course sensitive to the concerns, we are not in a position to alter the conditions put in place by others, and feel that we have responded to the concerns raised as best we can while operating a construction site, although if the suggestion were that we should provide additional signage or lighting, we would of course be willing to do so.”

He now hopes to arrange a meeting with the city and county councils and Oxford Pedestrians’ Association to improve the situation before work is completed in June.