Protesters banged drums and danced through central Oxford in a good-humoured demonstration against increased traffic.

The group, from Reclaim the Streets, met at Carfax and spent an hour twanging home-made banjos and playing drums. They then moved off down Cornmarket Street, accompanied by mounted police officers, and ended up in Magdalen Street.

Watched and outnumbered by 140 policemen, the group of about 50 protesters then danced, juggled and played football in an impromptu street party.

Most passers-by greeted the scene with amused grins although one old gentleman brandished an umbrella and mumbled 'riff raff' at those blocking the pavement. The party had officially been cancelled but some protesters still turned up to make a point - that there are too many cars on the streets.

One protester Oli, 25, of Oxford, said: "I'm here to say there are too many cars. They're dangerous and smelly and I think people should cycle. I risk my life when I get on my bike because of the motor vehicles."

Another, Paul, 29, a student from Oxford, complained that Oxford City Council were still implementing transport proposals people did not want.

"It's a complete outrage," he said. "They don't listen to people who live in the city...We're not going to stand for it any more. We're all cyclists here. I'm always getting knocked down when I'm on my bike."

A girl wandered among the protesters sprinkling them with glitter. Children and dogs joined the protest, with one hound being described as a 'veteran protester'. Those dancing shouted to passers-by to join them in re-claiming the streets. A party of middle-aged French people trying to get down Magdalen Street picked their way among dogs and bicycles and looked slightly confused.

A man with a mohican haircut and spike through his nose danced next to a dad and his baby, and for a few hours Magdalen Street East was reclaimed.

Oxford police Supt Cressida Dick said: "Despite the event being cancelled, a few local people held a good-natured protest in the city centre. However, I believe we achieved our aim, which was to minimise disruption and keep everyone safe while allowing a peaceful protest."

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