TRADERS at an Oxford arcade are reminding shoppers they are still open for business while a major revamp takes place.

The Golden Cross arcade, off Cornmarket Street, is filled with scaffolding while repairs are carried out.

Traders said the renovation project, which is being carried out by landlords Stef Property Management and started on March 9, is expected to be finished in about six weeks' time.

But they are concerned that the project is putting off some shoppers.

Albert Ford, manager of Plain Leather, said the renovation was long overdue because no major work had taken place since the centre opened in 1988.

He said: "All the traders agreed that this work should take place and it is going to create a very beautiful shopping area.

"Everything is being done - the roof, guttering, windows - and it is going to look very smart.

"But since the scaffolding went up, some people have been too frightened to come in and walk through.

"Shoppers are thinking 'oh no, a building site' once they see the scaffolding, which is also shutting out the light, so unfortunately it's a bit dark in here as well.

"I certainly haven't seen any mums with buggies coming through from Cornmarket since the scaffolding went up.

"Some traders are offering discounts of up to 50 per cent because the number of shoppers appears to have fallen.

"The message we want to get to shoppers is that it is very much business as usual at Golden Cross."

Kumi Hammond, who works in the store, added: "We are all hoping that the work will finish on schedule."

Patrice Errante, of Argenteus jewellers, added: "Shoppers are definitely reluctant to come through from Cornmarket because the scaffolding is blocking out the light. We get shoppers coming the other way through the Covered Market.

"I have definitely noticed there are not as many people coming through and we would like to let people know that we are still here, and still trading while the work is being completed."

Felicity Devonshire, a spokesman for Stef Property Management, said: "The scaffolding has to be erected for health and safety reasons.

"The vast majority of the tenants are very happy with the work and it is going to be a beautiful centre after looking very tired.

"We held extensive talks with preservation officers and everyone is delighted with the programme.

"Some traders have told us that trade for them is as it always has been."

Ms Devonshire said the work was expected to finish in "about a month's time", but she could not give a precise date.

She declined to say how much the work was costing. It is understood that there are about 13 different businesses in Golden Cross and they are all contributing to the cost of the repairs.