PLANS to help alleviate traffic in the north of the city were rejected by Oxford City Council's sub committee in 1983.

Council officers had strongly urged that £11,000 be spent on a sturdy island between the parking bays and main carriageway to be introduced.

This call came despite strong protests from traders and a 3,000-signature petition.

But a council sub-committee refused to give the go-ahead to the scheme and the spending involved over safety concerns.