AN OVERGROWN cycle track has been cleared after robbers used bushes to hide, before pouncing on their victims.

Thames Valley Police, Oxford City Council and local householders teamed up to clear the cycle track which links Rose Hill with Littlemore and Sainsbury’s at Heyford Hill, Oxford.

Residents use the half-a-mile track to reach the supermarket and a footbridge which crosses the Eastern bypass.

But people became scared to use the path because it had become dark, overgrown and a magnet for robbers.

Six robberies were reported in the area in September, prompting the action, which involved cutting back trees and trimming hedges.

Pc Henry Gillingham, from the Rose Hill neighbourhood team, said: “The robberies were occurring in and around that area because the cycle path was very poorly lit.

“There were lots of hiding spots for potential offenders.

“They could hide in the bushes, watch people coming and follow them.

“It was starting to become a bit of a problem, so it has now been cleared, which has reduced the number of hiding places.”

He said moped riders also used the track at high speeds.

He added: “I have been in the area for five years and it had not been touched in that time. It badly needed doing.

“Now it’s a massive improvement. You can look from one end to the other without any problems, and we have had no robberies since.”

City council spokesman Annette Cunningham said: “The area was cleared of overgrowth and all low branches, which has opened it up. The green waste has been recycled and used on other projects in the city.

“The work has greatly improved the area and users, including cyclists, dog walkers and joggers, are really pleased with the work.”