A new "Martyrs' Memorial" was unveiled in Oxford today to mark the second anniversary of the controversial Oxford Transport Strategy.

The 10ft structure was hailed as a monument to the victims of "dogma, extremism and waste" by opponents of OTS.

Roger Rosewell with the statue

The stunt was organised by the Rescue Oxford group (Rox) at Station Square, outside the railway station, this morning.

Rox spokesman Roger Rosewell said: "On June 1, 1999, the OTS strategy was imposed on Oxford with the promise that it would reduce congestion and pollution, pedestrianise Cornmarket and make the city centre safer and more pleasant.

"After spending more than £22m on the scheme, what have we got for our money?"

There are plans to move the monument around the city later this week.

Mr Rosewell added: "We would really like it taken to every county council meeting."

About 20 businessmen attended the unveiling, which was carried out by Julian Blackwell, of the Oxford publishing group.

Others included Mike Sheller, of City Television in Botley Road, who said: "My trade has been so affected by OTS that we do not open on Saturdays any more because it is simply unviable."

Rox expressed its anger that it could take three years to pave Cornmarket Street after it was closed to buses and general traffic.

The group claims the city is now losing millions of pounds to other shopping centres, such as Banbury and Swindon.

**Picture: Richard Cave