STUDENTS are making a noise about the “catastrophic” impact a diverted bus route could have on their exam results.

The Oxford University students said the increased noise and bustle in Beaumont Street – as a result of the closure of nearby George Street – is keeping them awake and could distract them from their exams.

Worcester College medical student Bill Gewanter, 21, one of 23 students living in a college annexe in Beaumont Street, said: “The majority of students in the building have finals coming up in the next few weeks and the stops are active from very early in the morning through into the evening.

“This is a vitally important time, with so much resting on our exams, and to have our sleep disrupted at such a time could well prove catastrophic.

“I find it astounding that these changes were made without giving us any notice whatsoever.”

Mr Gewanter, who lives on the first floor, also said passengers on double decker buses could now look directly into his bedroom.

Oxfordshire County Council agreed to divert buses via Beaumont Street so construction firm ISG Ltd can complete building work in George Street. The work, due to continue for another three weeks, means temporary bus stops have been set up in Beaumont Street.

Six Stagecoach Oxfordshire services are being rerouted because of the work.

County council spokesman Owen Morton said: “Temporary arrangements of this nature are inevitably going to cause a certain amount of disruption and inconvenience for residents, as well as bus users and pedestrians. We understand the concerns of students and other residents living close to the temporary stops. However, given the need for an accessible, city centre location, Beaumont Street was identified as the best available option for the temporary stops and to position them elsewhere – including within the street itself – would be likely to cause similar inconvenience for other residents.”

Worcester College domestic bursar Tim Lightfoot said: “We have been in contact with the local authorities to try to see what can be done.

“We are obviously very conscious to the disruption this is causing at a senstive time of year and we are actively trying to find a solution to the problem.

“Obviously we were aware of the work that is taking place locally but not of the arrangements to move the bus stops.

“We have had to react to the situation and we are doing all we can to support our students.”

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