A controversial traffic-calming scheme for Banbury has become a pre-election party political issue.

A Conservative councillor has accused Labour councillors of toeing the Government line on transport and ignoring the wishes of local people.

Kieron Mallon, campaigning to hold on to Easington ward, said Labour's Margaret Ferriman and Sandra Mold had sided with their party instead of listening to local objections.

But Mrs Ferriman and Mrs Mold said they were doing what was best for the town.

Mr Mallon said Cherwell district and Banbury town councillors of all parties had reservations about a proposal to build cycle lanes, cycle priority boxes, and road humps in South Bar, Horsefair, and North Bar - Banbury's main through-route.

He said most members of the public and businesses he had spoken to were against the scheme.

Mrs Mold, who lives in Banbury and is defending the Grimsbury seat, denied party politics were involved saying she was in favour of a scheme that would cut accidents.

She said: "All that has been approved so far is that the proposals will go to full public consultation. Everyone will get a chance to come forward and say what they want."

She said cyclists needed better facilities and there was a need for improved pedestrian crossings.

Mrs Ferriman, who is bidding to retain Neithrop, agreed, adding she wanted Banbury to follow Oxford's example of traffic management.