Traders have welcomed new parking restrictions soon to be introduced outside their parade of shops.

The Oxford Times reported last month how businesses in Cherwell Drive, Marston, were fearing for their future.

It was because a lack of parking spaces was driving customers away, with shopkeepers calling for action to tighten up on abuse of the few spaces available.

Oxfordshire County Council carried out a study into parking in the Old Marston area and has decided to introduce one- and two-hour parking restrictions, and permit parking to help businesses.

And, provided there are no objections to the scheme, it should be in place within the next two months.

Mark Stansfield, from Oxford Car Audio, said: "I am definitely 100 per cent behind this decision, it will be of huge benefit to our business and to all the other businesses along Cherwell Drive.

"The situation was getting pretty silly down here and I am glad the council has finally seen some sense. It is just a shame that it has taken this long for it to happen."

Sandra Kerwood, who owns Seasons Delicatessen, thought her business might close unless the problem was sorted.

She said: "I am very glad that something is happening, but this has been such a long drawn out process that I will only believe it when I see it."

However, she called for regular enforcement to stop drivers from abusing the parking.

Kenal Kalc, of the Mediterranean Fish Bar, said: "I cannot understand why there would be objections. This is something we have all been asking for for a long time.

"I hope these motorists that have been leaving their cars here for hours, days even, are punished and given fines. It's the only way to stop them."

Headington and Marston county councillor, Altaf Kahn, said the move was fantastic news for traders and local residents.

He said: "I am very pleased with this decision we have made to extend the controlled parking zone to the Cherwell Drive area.

"These shops are well used by residents of the Old Marston village and Marston areas and the parking situation was being abused by some motorists driving customers away."