EFFORTS to brighten up a ‘forgotten’ part of the Westgate shopping centre have been welcomed by traders who have already seen an increase in business.

After The Oxford Mail highlighted concerns of food outlets in the Westgate Social last month, the centre has begun to introduce changes to get more customers through the door.

A large yellow sign advertising ‘street food’ was put up last week, while more lights have been installed after customers complained the social was ‘like a cave.’

In June, Indian stall Rola Wala became the first casualty of the new £440million centre, blaming a lack of advertising and poor lighting for its closure.

Amid fears that more outlets would be forced to shut unless footfall improved, other initiatives have included showing World Cup matches.

Donna Welch, assistant manager at Ned’s Noodles, said improvements were already having an effect.

She said: “It is getting better, we had a lot of people in during the World Cup which really helped.

“The changes have made the place look a bit more lively - it is getting there and has been busier.

“We are doing quite well, we are lucky because we have a great location but, from what I’ve heard, everyone has seen an increase in business.”

Customers at the centre broadly welcomed the changes with many praising the new lighting and signage, saying it was more inviting and attention-grabbing.

Mum Elsa Anchors, eating with her six-year-old son, said she had dined in the social many times but only after ‘stumbling across it by accident’.

The 39-year-old, from Didcot, said: “It’s surrounded by the more expensive shops and I always thought it was a posh bar from the outside.

“It’s a great place to eat and is perfect for us but I still think more needs to be done as no one knows it’s here.”

Another mum, Hayley Humphrey, also from Didcot, said she had never been in, despite visiting the centre once a week.

She said: “It doesn’t stand out as a place to take the kids.

“We’ve tried many of restaurants on the terrace but we’ve never been downstairs.

“The sign is more eye-catching, it might make me more likely to go inside.”

The Westgate Centre said it was showing a commitment to the concept, believing it ‘brings a new type of dining offer to Oxford.’

Spokesperson Ali Gritt said: “After speaking with retailers, we have been making a range of changes to lighting and signage and look forward to completing this in the coming weeks.”