Traders hope Bicester's Friday market could get its long-wanted move.

Market traders have been keen to move from Market Square to Sheep Street because they say it will be better for trade and safer for customers, and release much-needed parking spaces.

In the past, moves to change site were blocked because pedestrianised Sheep Street was still officially a highway.

But a new mechanical bollard system in the street has effectively blocked the road. Town council leader Lawrie Stratford has taken up the issue and has already had several meetings with Cherwell District Council officers.

He hopes to get the backing of fellow town councillors to formally request Cherwell to devise a scheme that would allow relocation.

Mr Stratford promised public consultation before any decision was taken. He added: "There is light at the end of the tunnel."

Market Traders' Federation secretary Richard Gould welcomed the move and said customers were always asking why the market was not in Sheep Street.

He said: "We would benefit from being busier and trading for longer, and our customers would be safer as they would not have to cross the busy road to the Market Square."

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