Cobblestones that gave cyclists a rough ride are finally being removed, writes Mark Templeton.

Oxfordshire County Council has started to dig up the cobbled cycle lane near the bus stop in Park End Street, Oxford.

The cobbles were first laid a year ago as part of the Oxford Transport Strategy, but pressure to rip them up finally won over council bosses who admitted they had got it wrong. The scheme is part of a package of improvements at Station Junction. They include a new pedestrian crossing outside the Jarvis Royal Oxford Hotel and a review of cycle facilities underneath the railway bridge.

An earlier proposal completely to rip up the junction which has been the most criticised part of the OTS and start again was thrown out by councillors.

Work to remove the stones and replace them with a smooth surface is expected to take three weeks. Buses are being diverted from the cobbled area and the council is warning drivers that they are likely to face delays.