Controversial cobblestones at Oxford's troubled Station Square junction were a mistake, Oxfordshire County Council has admitted.

The stones, which formed part of a 1.5m re-design of the square, are to be replaced - at a cost of 25,000, following complaints by cyclists and bus drivers. Work starts on August 21 and could last up to two weeks.

Bus stops will relocate to Park End Street temporarily as a smoother red carriageway and a green cycleway is laid.

But Oxford Transport Strategy critic Joe Hannigan, of Grandpont, was joined by cyclists and Oxford's Green Party, to say that the mistake should never have been made in the first place.

He said: "I cannot understand why they should waste even more money digging up the cobbled structure.

Eddie Luck, county assistant director for transport development, said: "We accept that in hindsight the use of cobbles for the Station Square was a mistake. But the decision on the choice of materials was taken for aesthetic reasons.