THE recent car crash in Oxford Street in Southampton has been well reported and in my view was completely avoidable.

Oxford Street is home to a thriving range of small businesses, restaurants and bars. It serves as a key attraction in Southampton that helps to welcome visitors and tourists, as well as providing employment and a popular venue for local people.

I have always believed the council has a duty to support areas like this as they help to give Southampton a distinct identity and represent the home of many smaller businesses who do not have the luxury of being part of large chains.

PHOTO: Revellers shocked by late-night pile-up in Oxford Street, Southampton >>>

It was with this in mind that while I was the leader of Southampton City Council, I was pleased to support the resurfacing of this road to create a more attractive and user friendly street, which would also improve access for people with mobility issues. Once this work was completed in 2012, the plan was that one end of this road would be pedestrianised and in doing so the public investment would be protected.

Unfortunately, the incoming Labour council failed to finish these works and left Oxford Street as little more than an expensive car park. I have spent the past four years pressing the council to finish the planned works and unfortunately they seem unwilling to take any notice.

However, we are clearly now at a point where the council must act.

Significant damage has been caused in just a few years, to a surface that should have had a lifespan of decades and as this accident demonstrates, the road is also clearly unsafe.

I hope this accident serves as a wake-up call and the council acts quickly to finish the works required on this stretch of Oxford Street and in so doing make it safe.

Royston Smith

MP for Southampton Itchen