Street wardens in Oxford will be a top priority for a new city centre management company.

The proposed not-for-profit company -- which has not yet been named -- has held its first meeting. The idea was approved by the city council's executive board last year.

Representatives from Oxford businesses, Oxford University, police and the city and county councils, discussed how the company would work to enhance the city centre. Street wardens are high on a list of priorities.

They would wear uniforms and help tourists, but they would not be expected to assist police or traffic wardens.

Some city councillors, including Green Mike Woodin, have expressed reservations about the new company, fearing that some city council interests could be overlooked by the new body. But it looks likely to go ahead.

Executive board member with responsibility for the city centre, Cllr John Goddard, said: "The meeting was extremely positive, but we all realise that Oxford faces serious competition from neighbouring centres.

"Only by working together can we face the competition, and effectively market Oxford as an exciting local, national and international destination.

"I believe that providing street wardens for the city centre is typical of the work the company will set out to do in order to promote a vibrant, clean, safe and customer-friendly city centre."

The executive board has agreed to provide £100,000 for the establishment of the new company, but hopes that it will become self-financing in the longer term.

It currently pays the same amount annually to the city centre management unit, run by Marcus Lapthorn.

Ideas like street wardens are now being incorporated into the company's draft business plan, which will be presented to the city council's executive board on February 12.