Anger at street 'paved with gold'

The work has caused ongoing disruption in the centre of Oxford

Calls are being made for an inquiry into a city centre revamp that ended up costing taxpayers double the initial estimate.

The controversial repaving of Oxford's Cornmarket Street escalated to £5.1m.

Despite it being a joint scheme involving the city and county councils, the city authority had its share of the cost capped at £1.85m.

The bulk of the overspend has been met by the county council. All parties are agreed some kind of inquiry is needed.

It's a question of ineptitude and bad management Councillor John Power

Labour county councillor John Power has tabled a resolution at the 6 April meeting of the county authority for an immediate investigation to be launched.

He told BBC News Online: "If he were alive today, Dick Whittington would not have to go to London - Cornmarket Street must be paved with gold if it's going to cost £5.1m .

"The average taxpayer thinks it's an absolute scandal.

"It's a question of ineptitude and bad management."

Easter finish

Plans to revamp the city's main shopping street were launched in 1998.

Granite slabs were later laid but two years ago cracks appeared and the scheme had to be abandoned in favour of an asphalt surface.

Costs rose again when utility cables - missed by earlier surveys - were discovered.

County council chiefs have vowed to keep a closer eye on spending on projects such as the Cornmarket revamp.

The project is expected to be finished by the Easter weekend.