Bridge open for May Day
Magdalen Bridge could be open to May Day revellers for the first time in five years, now that strengthening work is being carried out. Only the police could prevent the move due to safety fears over students jumping into the river.
This happened in 1999 when the police threatened to sue the City Council if they didn't let them close the bridge due to concerns that it could collapse because of the surge of people.
In 1994 twenty-two people were injured after jumping into four feet of water, but this year the police will work with Oxford's universities and student groups before making any decisions on whether to close the bridge.
A series of metal pins are being put into the parapets so that they can withstand the rush of students and locals on Wednesday May 1st. Project managers are confident the work will be finished in time.
The seeing in of May Day by gathering at the foot of Magdalen Tower at dawn and listening to the college choir has long been a tradition at Oxford, frequently of a drunken nature, and jumping in the Cherwell is no less of one.
Sgt David Williams, of Thames Valley Police said "There will be a partnership approach to this," so hopefully this year will mark the beginning of a renaissance of the old traditions.
21st Feb 2002