Bicester's weekly market could be moved to Sheep Street by the end of the year if councillors give their approval.

Public consultation ended on Friday and a report will be prepared for Cherwell District Council's executive over the next few months.

The proposal came after traders approached town councillors to ask if the Friday market could be moved from Market Square.

They believe it will be better for trade, safer for customers and would release much-needed parking spaces.

In the past, moves to transfer the event were blocked because pedestrianised Sheep Street was still officially a highway. But a new mechanical bollard system can effectively block the road to traffic.

Cherwell's chief engineer Tony Brummell said all businesses and residents in Sheep Street, Market Square and Market Hill were being consulted. Two dozen responses had been received.

He said: "I have got to collate all responses and put together a report. Crucially we will need approval from Oxfordshire County Council.

If councillors agree to the move, it could take place before the end of the year.