AN OXFORD tradition will be restored on May Morning this year: Magdalen Bridge will once again be open to the public.

For first time since 2005 the bridge will be open to the 18,000-plus crowd, gathering to hear Magdalen College choir.

The 25ft high bridge has been cordoned off for the past five years after chaotic scenes in 2005 saw scores of people jump into the river. with dozens injured.

But for many cityfolk the closure has been a complete waste of time.

And Oxford City Council leader Bob Price said closing the bridge had been unpopular with residents.

As soon as the bridge is reopened, people jump anyway. And to those who do jump and injure themselves: tough.

That, however, is not the view of the ambulance service. They have told us it costs them £257 an incident and have to dedicate an entire team to the bridge.

However, the Oxford Mail welcomes the decision to keep the bridge open.

The police and council seem to have a management plan in place, and it has been stressed the move is not about saving money.

We just hope the ambulance service is not left to pick up the pieces.