Traders in Abingdon fear plans to ban lorries from unloading could damage their businesses.

As part of Abingdon Integrated Transport Strategy, Stert Street and High Street would also be narrowed.

Oxfordshire County Council and Abingdon Town Council have responded to concerns by proposing that loading bays could be provided for shops without rear access.

The strategy's aim is to make the town centre safer and more friendly to shoppers.

Other ideas include making bus stops in the High Street drop-offs only.

Work will not begin for at least two years, but Abingdon Chamber of Commerce is compiling views of traders to submit to the transport strategy steering group.

Chamber transport representative Peter Tothill, who has sent out more than 100 questionnaires to businesses, said: "The town centre should become much more pleasant. However, one of the biggest concerns is over the proposal to have a ban on loading and un-loading, which is completely un-workable.

"A lot of shops do not have rear entrances and a ban would make deliveries impossible.

"The planners also do not seem to have thought about refuse collection."

Transport strategy steering group member Julie Mayhew-Archer said: "Deliveries to some shops could be overcome by a number of bays."

Principal county council transport planner Jackie Cox added: "As for refuse collections, there will still be space for vehicles to overtake, although it will be a squeeze."