Bitterly cold conditions at the venue of the public inquiry into a proposed asylum seekers' centre at Bicester have been blamed for keeping people away.

About 160 people turned up for the first day of the inquiry, which was held at Bicester Garrison Theatre on December 10, but only about 30 people returned after the lunch break.

Throughout the hearing people sat in their coats trying to keep warm.

Angela Cox, of Murcott Road, Arncott, said: "It was absolutely freezing. That's why people did not come back."

Dionne Arrowsmith, of Bicester Action Group, said the hearing should have been postponed.

She said: "There were lots of elderly people there and it was not fair to them or anyone else. To see one of the highest-paid QCs in the land giving evidence in his overcoat was just a joke."

Paul Taylor, the planning inspector conducting the hearing, agreed that the conditions were appalling.

Lawyers were representing the Home Office, Cherwell District Council, Bicester Action Group, Bicester Refugee Support and Martin Grant Homes.

Keith Lindldom, for the Home Office, said there was an urgent need for these type of centres to deal with the high numbers of asylum seekers.

David Elvin QC, representing Cherwell District Council, accused the Government of having already made up its mind to build a centre at Bicester.

The inquiry, which continues on December 11 and 12, has not been moved, despite the complaints about the weather.

Mr Taylor said he had received 2,500 letters from residents opposing the centre and four from people in favour.

Extra police had been drafted for the inquiry, but there were no disturbances.

Peter Village QC, acting for Martin Grant Homes, and solicitor Gerald Sheedy, for Bicester Action Group, both said they had covered many inquiries, but had never had to work in such bad conditions.

Lawyers were representing the Home Office, Cherwell District Council, Bicester Action Group, Bicester Refugee Support and Martin Grant Homes.