MORE than a million passengers have passed through the doors at Bicester Village Station since it opened one year ago.

But many commuters still hold the view that the rebuilt and rebranded railway station replacing Bicester Town Station is just for Bicester Village shoppers and not for the wider benefit of the town.

Figures released by Chiltern Railways have revealed 1,085,000 people have used the new high-speed rail link between Bicester Village station and London Marylebone since opening on October 26 last year and the rail operator insists it has been good news for everyone, not just those heading to the outlet.

Chiltern Railways managing director Dave Penney said: "The Chiltern Railways Oxford Parkway via Bicester Village to London project has not only brought significant social, economic and environmental benefits to those living and working along the route but it has also made Bicester one of the best connected places in the UK.

"The new rail link supports Bicester as it continues to grow and we look forward to reopening the route between Bicester and Oxford city centre on December 12."

Originally the project caused controversy in Bicester with many objecting to the name change from Bicester Town Station to Bicester Village.

Railway bosses hoped the change would help direct shoppers in the right direction for Bicester Village and away from Bicester North, as well as to provide fast connections for London.

But some residents feared the town's identity would be lost and only shoppers would use the station, which has a separate entrance through to the outlet.

Chiltern Railways said since its launch, 720,000 passengers have travelled from London to Bicester Village Station.

Resident Sue Baker, who commutes from Bicester North three days a week, she said: "I travel off-peak in the morning so avoid the busy times, then come back at 7:15pm - although that train is still always very busy.

"I don't think the opening of Bicester Village Station has made any difference to that.

"The people that use Bicester Village Station don't come into the town, shoppers just stay at Bicester Village as the shops in the town are not glamorous enough."

The rail operator also revealed that 80,000 journeys were made from Bicester North in October 2015, but that approximately 40,000 of those have migrated to Bicester Village Station according to figures for this October, and 58,000 journeys made from Bicester North.

Winchester House school teacher William Robinson from Brackley said: "I commute to London during the half term break to research for a book I am writing.

"I chose to use Bicester North as I imagine Bicester Village Station is very busy all day, although it looks like a very nice station.

"I do think there is a perception that Bicester Village Station is just for shoppers, but maybe that is a misconception.

"Having two great stations in a town is a huge benefit, it makes it easy to get about and for Bicester there is always lots going on."

Chiltern Railways will launch services from Oxford station on December 12 following the final completion of the line which will connect the city centre and Bicester for the first time in three years.