Oxford plan for £35k benches in 'smelly' Covered Market

Oxford City Council will splash the cash to install benches outside the northern side of the historical city centre market.

Plans approved on Monday (January 8) will also result in plants and steel planters installed by the Market Street entrance.

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The funds have come from a government grant.

But critics believe the council is “throwing money down the drain” and claim nobody will use the new amenities.

Opponents of the scheme also pointed out there are other existing facilities in the city which are in need of funds for refurbishment. 

Some sceptics took to social media to criticise the idea.

“Perhaps it's me, but I can't imagine why anyone would want to sit in Market Street. It's dank,” said one commenter.

“The toilets stink, the smell from the market isn’t very nice, and the sushi bar on the corner of Cornmarket Street stinks of fish,” another added.

Market Street's public toilets have previously been described as a "disgrace" by Jenny Higgins, a letter writer to the Oxford Mail in March.

Oxford county councillor Roz Smith said there were better places to install benches in the city (Image: Other.)

City councillor Roz Smith also attacked the new plans.

She said: “We have already had disastrous benches put in Cornmarket Street that are too high for people to sit on and are uncomfortable.

“It’s worth asking if people want extra seating here. Are there lovely buildings to look at across the way? I don’t think so.

“There are other lovely places where you could have benches.”

Sajjad Malik, an Independent councillor for Temple Cowley, added: “The money has gone down the drain.

“It could be better spent upgrading the toilets in the city as they are a disgrace.”

Shaista Aziz, councillor for Rose Hill & Iffley and leader of the Independent Group, also said the money could be put to better use.

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 “We would prefer that central government gave this grant to the council to boost community organisations who are facing a deepening cost of living crisis and a big shortfall in funding,” she said.

Lib Dem councillor Christopher Smowton welcomed the Market Street initiative (Image: Oxford City Council)

But Chris Smowton, leader of the city council's Liberal Democrat group and councillor for Headington, welcomed the Market Street initiative.

"After Labour's Westgate project made life very difficult for city centre traders, it's good to see the council driving footfall to our small businesses again,” he said.

“Broad Street's new public space has been a great success. We hope this can bring that same benefit to the market”.

Expected to be delivered in May, the benches will arrive in time for an experimental pedestrianisation scheme in the area this summer.

A report by council officers said: “The skills and experience of the provider are recognised as being able to supply a complete package including suitable planting supported by a proven track record of relevant experience.”

The council’s press office did not respond when asked to comment.