Hundreds of thousands of pounds will be spent on resurfacing roads in the city centre which has been described as being in a "dreadful" condition.

Oxfordshire County Council plans to spend approximately £600,000 for repair works for both Cornmarket Street and Queen Street in Oxford, with the resurfacing programme expected to take place in the summer.

The repairs will involve replacement and refurbishment of paving blocks on the paths using "like-for-like materials where possible".

Oxford Mail: Cornmarket Street.Cornmarket Street. (Image: Andrew Ffrench.)

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Susanna Pressel, a county councillor for the Jericho and Osney division, said: "The road surfaces in Queen Street and Cornmarket Street have been in a truly dreadful state for many months.

Oxford Mail: Susanna Pressel.Susanna Pressel.

"Both walking and cycling, when it is allowed, in those streets is now an unpleasant experience, with many trip-hazards. What on earth must all our visitors think of us?

"I have asked the county council many times to repair and resurface the roads, but in vain – until now."

Ms Pressel raised the question on planned works to the streets at a full county council meeting on April 16.

Addressing the query, highways chief Andrew Gant said: "Extensive repair works are planned for both Cornmarket Street and Queen Street in this financial year.

Oxford Mail: Andrew Gant.Andrew Gant. (Image: Oxfordshire County Council.)

"Works are expected to take place in the summer, beginning on Queen Street.

"The project duration will be between nine and 12 weeks, depending on conditions and external factors.

"Since we are replacing the channel kerbing with the same materials used in the original scheme, the start dates are dependent on the delivery of these specialist materials from abroad."

Oxford Mail: Queen Street.Queen Street. (Image: Andrew Ffrench.)

When asked for his thoughts on Ms Pressel's claims, Mr Gant said: "Yes, I do think they are in a dreadful state, and I'm very glad we're doing something about it.”

Alex Hollingsworth, who is ward city councillor for the Carfax and Jericho area, added: "I think when you've got well-used streets, it's important to keep them in good condition.

Oxford Mail: Alex Hollingsworth.Alex Hollingsworth. (Image: Jon Lewis)

"I am really pleased to see the council is doing that.

"There are lots of building works on Cornmarket especially and so it's important to do regular repairs."

The county works are part of a planned programme carried out every year to "fix issues on the highway network".

An Oxfordshire County Council spokesman has confirmed the authority intends to "minimise disruption to pedestrians and others where possible".

He added: "Where work requires a road closure, this will take place out of hours, with a small diversion route taking traffic around Speedwell Street.

"This has already been discussed and agreed with bus companies.

"Localised repairs to slabbing and kerbs will be completed within small sectional areas, allowing for access at all times where possible."