BACK in 1982, when John Irvin started out as a street trader in Oxford, Britain was recovering from the Falklands Crisis.

Now the country is experiencing another battle, this time over Brexit, but the father-of-two who sells souvenirs says uncertainty following the 2016 EU referendum has not dented his trade.

After 37 years of turning out rain or shine to sell tourists Oxford University hoodies, key rings and other trinkets, his stall is closing.

Jesus College is embarking on a multi-million pound scheme to revamp Northgate House in Cornmarket with new shops and student accommodation and, as a result, Mr Irvin, 59, is leaving his Market Street pitch.

READ AGAIN: Work begins on £36m upgrade to Cornmarket Street

For many years he was a familiar face at the top of St Ebbe’s Street but switched to Market Street about three years ago when the new Westgate Centre was being built.

He said: “It’s been a really good business and I don’t think Brexit has affected it because the tourists want to buy a hoodie from my stall in Oxford - not on the internet.

“I can’t keep trading in Market Street because building work is coming soon. I would like to go where I used to be in St Ebbe’s and I’m asking the council if that’s a possibility.”

Oxford Mail:

Mr Irvin lives with wife Anita in Stokenchurch and has two children, John, 34, and Natasha, 32, and two grandchildren.

He added: “I pay about £10,000 a year for my street trading licence but the council is not renewing it because it’s no longer an appropriate site. I like to think of myself as a fighter and hopefully I can make a comeback at some point and start a new chapter.

“I don’t want to start trading from a shop because the rent would be too high.”

READ MORE: New building in Cornmarket planned to create Oxford 'market quarter'

Mr Irvin started out selling greeting cards and then switched to souvenirs and sweatshirts about 18 years ago.

He added: “Customers have been very supportive and have told me they are sad to see me go.

“One lady said her mum used to buy her balloons when she as a child and vicar Anthony Buckley said a prayer for me. I really appreciate the support I have had over the years. Sunday is my last day and I’m hoping the council can find me a new location.”

Oxford Mail:

Ian Wright, the city council's head of regulatory services and community safety, said: “We appreciate the impact this (Jesus College) development will have on Mr Irvin’s business and have encouraged him to approach us with ideas for alternative sites. His previous trading site on St Ebbe’s no longer exists but we are happy to discuss any proposals he has in order to allow him to continue trading.”