A BUS users' group in Oxford has renewed calls for plans to pedestrianise Queen Street to be abandoned.

Oxfordshire County Council has launched a public consultation to fully pedestrianise the street in time for the reopening of the revamped £440m Westgate Centre in October 2017.

But objections over the creation of a new bus turning circle in Worcester Street could mean the pedestrianisation has to be abandoned.

Nuffield College has objected to the turning circle because it could affect future development of Worcester Street car park, which it owns, and talks between the county council and the college are continuing.

Hugh Jaeger, a spokesman for the city's branch of Bus Users UK, said: "Nuffield College is quite entitled not to want buses pirouetting outside - I would like to see buses reinstated in Queen Street once building work for the new shopping centre is completed.

"The idea of removing the buses from Queen Street is pointless and gratuitous and we will be responding to the consultation to say they should remain - half the customers for the Westgate Centre will come by bus.

"Our ideal position is that buses should be allowed to stay in Queen Street but if they are kicked out then the bus turning circle is necessary to minimise the damage to bus routes."

Last week city council leader Bob Price said he was concerned about the college's objections, describing it as "a fly in ointment."

Rural Felicity said on oxfordmail.co.uk: "Is the pedestrianisation really so vital? I think not.

"Allowing buses through helps the smooth flow elsewhere, particularly St Aldate's, which is a complete shambles at the moment.

"We have a fantastic bus service in Oxford, we need to appreciate this and allow them space to continue, instead of treating them as an inconvenient nuisance."

The consultation on Queen Street pedestrianisation continues until October 14.