WE are left scratching our heads at the logic of the authorities in insisting Magdalen Bridge was closed on May Morning.

For a start, it stops hundreds of law-abiding individuals from enjoying one of the most historic events in the city.

We are told the heavy police and security presence is to prevent people from jumping off the bridge.

But these individuals – who are completely in the minority, we might add – only jump off the bridge once the police have re-opened it.

There is no need for a ring of steel. It is just the police and councils being killjoys and serves no purpose than to spoil a wonderful and ancient Oxford tradition.