POLICE and council bosses are discussing major changes to the way the crowd is controlled at the city’s annual May Day celebrations.

In March, Steve Rowell, assistant chief constable of local policing, called for an end to the closure of the 25ft-high bridge, which prevents hundreds of people from East Oxford enjoying the city’s historic May Morning celebrations.

And Oxfordshire County Council, Oxford City Council and police have now all agreed a ‘fresh approach’ and a central organiser is needed to take control of event.

It comes after years of authorities failing to stop people leaping off Magdalen Bridge at the May Morning celebration. Eighteen thousand attended this year.

A joint statement issued by police, the city and county councils, said: “We have agreed that we should review the approach to managing May Day celebrations in Oxford city centre.

“This year’s celebration was notable for a welcome lack of crime and alcohol-related disorder, despite a large number of people present near Magdalen College to listen to the singing.

“A similar size of crowd can be anticipated for next year’s May Day celebrations.

“Whilst it is clear that no agency has the responsibility nor the power to prevent some of the behaviour that has followed the May Day celebrations in the past, we have agreed that a fresh approach to stewarding and crowd control is necessary to ensure safety and enjoyment for everyone and we have started work on the options that are available.”

The bridge has been barricaded on May Morning for the past four years after more than 100 people jumped into the River Cherwell in 2005 and 40 were injured.

But every year, dozens of people still jump into the shallow river minutes after the barricades are removed, although there have been no more serious injuries.

Police have no legal powers to stop people jumping off the bridge as no by-law has been passed by the council.

This year, more landlords extended their alcohol licence than ever before as revellers took advantage of May Morning falling on a Saturday.

The council and police have not decided who should take charge of the event or whether the bridge should be open next year.

They agreed to draw up a plan of action later this year, with members of the safety advisory group, which includes representatives from Thames Valley Police, the city and county councils and South Central Ambulance Service.

Police Commander for Oxfordshire Brendan O’Dowda said stewards and officers have no powers to physically prevent people from jumping and described the fresh approach as “welcome and timely”.