Calls for more trees in the centre of Oxford have won overwhelming support in a special Oxford Mail street poll.

Everyone we interviewed backed environmental group Forest of Oxford's call for trees to be planted in Cornmarket Street and Broad Street.

The city council has opposed the idea but has now agreed to reconsider.

Colin Cook, the council's executive member for planning, said fallen leaves, vandalism and the blocking of sightlines for CCTV security cameras were potential snags, but the council would listen to all views.

Forest of Oxford wants six ash trees in Broad Street, in sunken planters to contain the roots, and three in Cornmarket Street.

Solicitor Clemency MacNamara, 33, of Paradise Square, Oxford, said: "The city centre has been allowed to get run down. Cheltenham is much nicer, with lots of large trees. We should take a leaf out of their book."

Brendan Quinn, 27, of Linton Road, Oxford, a transport planning student at Brookes University, said Cornmarket Street was often discussed in lectures and everyone felt more imagination was needed.

He said: "We have such a beautiful urban area but more could be done to enhance it. I don't think it would be a bad thing if parking spaces were lost to trees, but traders might not agree."

Trudi Yeatman, 35, of Nuneham Courtenay, said: "When you visit other cities, like Bristol and Birmingham, you realise Oxford is actually quite green, but not in the city centre.

Big Issue seller Hugh Douglas, 24, of Wolvercote, said: "Spanish cities like Granada have done a much better job of it. Trees would complement the look of the buildings and calm the general atmosphere. A variety with small leaves would be best, so it's not too dark.

In a poll run by our website, thisisoxfordshire.co.uk, more than three quarters of respondents backed Forest of Oxford's campaign.