Oxford University college reacts to Christmas market at risk

The market has been left under threat because of Oxfordshire County Council’s refusal to temporarily close a cycle path through the Broad Street site.

Market organiser Nicole Rahimi approached Brasenose College when she learned the county council was unwilling to save the market by diverting the cycle lane for the three week Christmas Market in December.

READ MORE: Oxford Christmas Market may be cancelled this December

Christmas Market at Broad Street

Ms Rahimi said she feared not closing the lane could result in a “high speed collision” and she called for the council to “prioritise small businesses”.

The council has said “the conditions regarding the cycle lane were in place before Ms Rahimi submitted her bid to host the event and there are no plans to alter them”.

Brasenose College, which has its entrance in Radcliffe Square, received a request from Ms Rahimi in January for the Christmas Market to be relocated to the cobbled open space.

CLICK BELOW TO SUBSCRIBE TO ED'S WEEKLY POLITICS NEWSLETTER FOR FREE

Sign up to Ed Halford's free weekly Politics newsletter here (Image: Newsquest)

READ MORE: Oxfordshire LTNs: 'Council needs to speak about positives'

Philip Parker, bursar at Brasenose College, said: “The proposal would mean that for over two weeks vehicular access to the square would be severely limited, if it were to be possible at all.

“Access is essential for our ongoing operations, including deliveries and contractors.

“It would also be very difficult for students and their families when they leave at the end of Michaelmas Term.

“We are sorry not to be able to help and hope the excellent Christmas Market can find an alternative location.”

READ MORE: Oxford traders: 'Traffic filters will leave us on the brink'

Oxfordshire County Council spokesman Marc Evans said: “We are working hard with Ms Rahimi and other local stakeholders to alleviate any concerns about this year’s Christmas Market and discussions are ongoing.

"However, the conditions regarding the cycle lane were in place before Ms Rahimi submitted her bid to host the event and there are no plans to alter them.

“The east-west cycle path through Broad Street is a key route and is important to maintain.

"Thousands of cyclists use it every day.

"Although an alternative route was provided last year during the Christmas Market, that option is not available this year.

"This was made clear to Ms Rahimi at the time.

“We are looking at things we can do to improve safety, such as reducing the width of the entrance to the cycle path to reduce bike speeds.

“Similar events have taken place in Broad Street with the cycle route in place, and these have not led to any reports of accidents."