Broken lighting has been fixed on a bike path after cyclists complained the route had become dangerous.

Three streetlights which had not been working for nearly a month on Marston Cycle Path have now been fixed, according to Oxfordshire County Council.

Cyclists had complained to website FixMyStreet, a site for people to report problems in their local area. They included Mary Clarkson, city councillor for Marston, and Mail on Sunday columnist Peter Hitchens, who lives in Oxford.

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In a letter to the Oxford Mail, Mr Hitchens wrote: “For almost a month, three streetlights have been out of action on the Marston Cycle Path just east of Parson’s Pleasure and the Lemond Bridge.

“This is especially dangerous because eastbound cyclists pass immediately from a well-lit path into utter darkness, giving their eyes no time to adjust.

Oxford Mail: Peter Hitchens Peter Hitchens (Image: Unknown)“The danger of colliding with pedestrians at this point is great, even for riders who have lights on their machines.

“Like many users of this cycle path, I have reported the fault to Oxfordshire County Council through FixMyStreet.

“I have also contacted the University Parks authorities. But at the time of writing (November 9) the lights remain unrepaired. This delay is indefensible.”

Prior to the lights being fixed on Thursday night, Ms Clarkson said the pathway had become “very dangerous.”

She said there were women who wouldn’t walk along the route because they didn’t feel safe.

 

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This story was written by Matthew Norman, he joined the team in 2022 as a Facebook community reporter.

Matthew covers Bicester and focuses on finding stories from diverse communities.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Matthew.norman@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter: @OxMailMattN1