PROTESTERS opposing plans to redevelop the Westgate Shopping Centre, Oxford, say they are more determined than ever to fight the proposals, after a passionate public meeting at the Town Hall.

More than 70 people attended the meeting on Thursday night, when campaign group Oxford Against Westgate Expansion debated lobbying the Environment Agency to undertake another flood risk assessment on the redevelopment.

An earlier survey by the agency said the redevelopment would not increase the flooding risk to the city centre site, but protesters were concerned that building an underground car park could reduce flood storage and increase the danger to surrounding roads.

They decided to launch a postal campaign targeting John Lewis, which is planning a store as part of the already-approved development, as well as proposals to convince shoppers to boycott the centre when it re-opens in 2011.

Gillian Turberfield, 76, from Pegasus Way, Oxford, said: "I grieve for Oxford because I think this scheme is going to be a disaster.

"The roads won't be able to cope with the increase in traffic. The people of Oxford have never been asked what they want for the site instead of a big shopping centre."

Protesters discussed other proposals for the Westgate redevelopment, which could include a proportion of affordable housing or a more environmentally-friendly refit of the existing shopping centre.

Speaking after the meeting, campaigner Jess Worth, 33, from Iffley Road, Oxford, said: "We had no idea so many people were against the development - it has spurred the group on to fight even harder to make sure it doesn't happen."

Simon Ward, marketing and community relations manager for Capital Shopping Centres, said: "Throughout the lengthy consultation process prior to the planning application submission, the Westgate Partnership worked closely with both city and county councils, the Environment Agency, transport groups and the local community to ensure the development of a retail-led mixed use regeneration scheme for Oxford which is at the forefront of sustainable design.

"The scheme is designed to reduce energy requirements through natural ventilation, intelligent lighting controls, solar panels, green roofs and rainwater collection."

A second meeting has been arranged at the Town Hall on Thursday, March 13.