Police and councillors failed to agree on a decision over the opening of Magdalen Bridge on May Morning.

A meeting took place yesterday between police, Oxford city councillors and other members of the May Day Advisory Group, but last night they were still at loggerheads over the issue.

Last month, Oxford city councillors on the highways and traffic committee voted not to close the bridge.

This was a reversal of last year's decision, which shut the bridge to the student celebrations. But this year, Labour councillors pledged to fight until the last minute to allow the traditional revelry to go ahead. A decision is now expected tomorrow.

Following the meeting, council leader John Tanner said: "No agreement was reached, but I still think the bridge should remain open."

If councillors agree that the bridge should remain open, the police will be forced to staff the event.

Cllr Tanner added: "The police, colleges and local councils should make sure the event goes off well." Last year, police barricaded the entrances to Magdalen Bridge amid fears that students jumping into the River Cherwell would be swept away in high waters.

Police want to seal off the bridge from 4am to 7am on May 1.

Story date: Thursday 15 April

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