A trader has welcomed a walkway being rerouted past her shop as part of major works at the train station in time for Christmas shopping.

Last month, Amanda Suliman-Bell, of Rainbow & Spoon boutique in Frideswide Square, said she was worried she would have to close her shop as work continues on a £161m scheme to upgrade the rail station.

The boutique selling women's clothing, jewellery and accessories has been trading in the city for more than 35 years.

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But footfall fell 90 per cent after Network Rail contractors Kier rerouted a walkway for pedestrians in July, which meant very few people walked past the shop, or nearby restaurants.

But the walkway has now been restored to its original route, bringing potential customers to the boutique's side of the square.

In July the walkway took pedestrians to the opposite side of the square where the Said Business School is situated.

Ms Suliman-Bell said she was pleased Network Rail has restored the walkway to its original route - or very close to its original route.

(Image: Andy Ffrench) She added: "I haven't noticed much of an increase in footfall yet but the square outside my shop is covered with contractors doing utility work.

"I'm thrilled Network Rail restored the walkway earlier than I expected.

"I'm really hoping this will boost my trade in the run-up to Christmas. If it doesn't then I probably won't be here next Christmas.

"I'm hoping that the Virgin Media contractors who are digging up the square will be gone by the weekend - but then you don't know who is going to be working here next."

A Network Rail spokesman said: "As part of the ongoing work at Botley Road, the walkway on Frideswide Square was successfully reopened this weekend.

"We understand the importance the walkway to local businesses and the reopening of the route should enable improved footfall in the run up to Christmas.

“Alongside the reopening of the walkway at the weekend, on Monday Thames Water began work to create a new water main connection on the western side of Botley Road bridge. This work will continue up until Christmas, and resume in the new year.”

(Image: Andy Ffrench) Uni Food & Wine near Rainbow & Spoon has also complained about a lack of footfall.

Network Rail is in charge of a £161m scheme to upgrade Oxford station.

As part of the project, it closed Botley Road at the rail bridge and the road has been closed at that point since April last year.

A plan to reopen the road last month was ditched because work was behind schedule.

There have been a series of delays as Network Rail contractors have faced difficulties rerouting utility pipes and cables.

A review off the scheme is now under way but it is not yet known when work is likely to be completed.

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About the author 

Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here. 

He joined the team more than 20 years ago and he covers community news across Oxfordshire.

His Trade and Tourism newsletter is released every Saturday morning. 

You can also read his weekly Traffic and Transport newsletter.