Street furniture provided to create an al fresco dining area is 'already looking cheap and tacky', according to a city councillor.

In August an outdoor dining area was introduced in George Street between Cornmarket and New Inn Hall Street to help combat coronavirus concerns.

Liberal Democrat city councillor Tom Landell Mills has welcomed the move but has warned that further investment is needed if the street is to continue to look good.

Read again: Oxford's George Street goes car free for outdoor dining

Oxford Mail:

Tom Landell Mills Picture Oxford City Council

He said in a letter to the Oxford Mail: "I am writing to congratulate the City Council on the temporary closure of George Street, which benefits the city and also I hope city businesses. 

"Even without a new lockdown many people now prefer to socialise outside and this could be a lifeline to pubs and restaurants on George St. 

Read again: Oxford hits red alert as Covid cases surge

"However, longer term the city and county council will need to up their game if they want people to continue coming into the city centre. 

"The temporary street furniture already looks cheap and tacky  - and the plethora of barriers an eyesore - so there does need to be some serious long term planning, and investment to improve the city centre."

Mr Landell Mills, who represents the St Margaret's ward, also suggested that transport into the city needed to be speeded up and made easier.

Oxford Mail:

He added: "There is no point pedestrianising streets if not enough people want to come - and the city and county councils are making a terrible hash of getting the public out of their cars, which completely jam up the main roads into town, and onto buses and bikes that would allow more people to get in and out of the city more quickly."

The city and county councils are working on traffic proposals which include new bus gates but these plans have been delayed until next year.