A NEWLY minted cycle lane in Oxford which has been laid around a lamppost has prompted derision.

The lamppost, currently sitting slap-bang in the middle of one of the two carriageways on the cycle path alongside Marston Ferry Road, has been marked out to make sure it is visible to cyclists.

The street light is outside the entrance to the new Swan School buildings which are opening this term.

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Passing member of the public Miles Hobart snapped a picture of the lamppost in the middle of the cycleway and shared his astonishment.

Mr Hobart said: “Beggars belief - classic example of Oxford planning.”

The new cycle path has been constructed as part of an agreement between planning chiefs at Oxford City Council and the developers who are building the new Swan School site.

Oxfordshire County Council, which is in charge of maintaining highways, said the lamppost would eventually be removed and placed alongside the path, but the reflecting barrier had been placed around it to make it more obvious until then.

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A spokesman said: “The lamppost has to be moved for the developer by SSE. We are aware that there has been a delay and have carried out a road safety audit.”

He added: “Until the lamp post is moved by SSE, barriers will be in place and a reflective band added to increase its visibility.”

The new Swan School has been under construction since February 2019 and is due to open its doors to all students for the first time on Monday, September 14.

Year 7 pupils will be starting a week earlier on September 7, with matriculation days being held for them at the Cherwell School.