The council wants to make the square safer and more attractive

Bonn Square has had a reputation for many years as a hang out for drinkers and drug users.

But plans to redevelop the square have come under fire because the city's cycleway may be disrupted as a result.

The city council has plans to either lower the area to road level or raise it higher.

'Ashamed of area'

Up to �86,000 has been set aside for the project and a further �165,000 is being considered if necessary.

Green councillor Craig Simmons said: "The council needs to incorporate proper cycle provision into their plans for Bonn Square or provide an alternative cycle route which is acceptable to the thousands of local and distance cyclists that use the Oxfordshire cycleway."

When the proposals were announced earlier in March, councillor Susan Brown, executive member for community safety at the council, said: "For far too long Bonn Square has been an area Oxford has been ashamed of.

"Our aim is to make it a focal point for that part of the city centre and to continue the work we have already done to make it a safer and more attractive open space for everyone."