OXFORD colleges have called for an end to the "vandalism" of the city's historic High Street by transport planners.

All Souls and University colleges say one of Europe's most beautiful streets is being ruined by pollution, noise and clutter resulting from "ill-thought out" bus policies.

The withering attack was prompted by news that Oxfordshire County Council wants to site more bus stops on the High, with colleges fearful the street is being turned into a giant bus station.

They warned that more buses would further spoil views of medieval college buildings, while condemning students to endure "24-hour-a-day bus noise and air pollution".

All Souls bursar Thomas Seaman said the impact of two bus stops in front of the college's main entrance was "too appalling to contemplate".

In a letter to the county council's principal transport planner, he writes: "A nearly 600-year-old gateway will be hidden by hideous street signage, buses stopping and starting their journeys 24 hours a day, with attendant groups of passengers waiting.

"The college is dedicated to academic research. Sound pollution is disastrous for its daily business. The pollution of buses idling will further exacerbate an already intolerable level of air pollution."

Mr Seaman said further problems would be caused because all the college's deliveries of food, computers, books and suitcases of guests passed through the entrance on the High.

He added: "We have maintained our presence on the High Street for 580 years, contributing to the reputation and fortune of Oxford over that time, We employ over 100 people, all local residents. What is our reward? A thoughtless proposal from engineers who have studied maps, not organisations or people, who seem to think improving bus passengers' travel experience trumps the damage they might be doing to the environment and to the enterprises which comprise this city's very life blood."

University College domestic bursar Elizabeth Crawford was equally incensed.

She said: "The purpose of this further vandalism of the High Street, once an architectural jewel, seems to be to improve the passenger experience."

But she was at a loss to know why council was undertaking the work of bus companies and spending its money for the convenience of their customers.

In a letter to County Hall she said: "Increased numbers of bus stops will inevitably mean more buses. You may be interested to know that pollution levels in Oxford feature in questions on the A-Level geography papers because they are so closely comparable to those in Mexico City and Beijing."

She added: "The High Street has already become a sorry sight in terms of signage, street furniture and street layout, and your proposal will simply make it into a bus station."

The warden of All Souls, Dr John Davis, said the college remained upset about a pollution control monitor - among other "eyesore boxes and machines" - at the front of the college.

Dr Davis said that five years ago the college was told by Oxford City Council that it would be positioned there temporarily.

Graham Jones, of the Oxford High Street Business Association, said businesses were also upset that the council was pushing through plans without sufficient consultation.

But Ian Hudspeth, county council cabinet member for transport, said: "The proposals were sent out to colleges and businesses to get some feedback from them and see whether they agree. It is important to highlight that we want to work with them, not against them."

Mr Hudspeth said he was bitterly disappointed that a reduction in Government funding was going to hit improvements on the High between Turl Street and Longwall, which would have included pavement widening and new paving stones.

Jeremy Mogford, the owner of the Old Bank Hotel, earlier complained that High Street was being overwhelmed by 2,500 buses a day.