Traders have been reassured that a working party to monitor the Oxford Transport Strategy will not be scrapped.

Retailers feared the regular meeting of the OTS working party could be abandoned as part of local government reorganisation in November.

The county council's committee system is being replaced by a ruling executive, run by a Conservative-Liberal Democrat alliance, and there was a possibility the working party would be shelved.

But Cllr Keith Mitchell (Con), the new council leader, promised the working party would continue, with city and county council representation.

Roger Rosewell, a spokesman for Rox (Rescue Oxford), a traders' group opposed to the strategy introduced two years ago, said: "It is very important that we have a proper forum where businesses, and others concerned about the OTS, not only have a voice but can also take part in decision-making.

Mr Rosewell said certain businesses in Oxford would be vulnerable if the number of tourists to the city fell as a result of last Tuesday's terrorist atrocities in the US.

"If we are serious about protecting the local economy, now is a time for more partnership work between businesses and the local authorities, not less," he added.

The working party makes recommendations on OTS policy, which were previously approved by the county's environment committee. Either the ruling executive or the scrunity panel will make these decisions instead. This will be worked out by November 5, and informal discussions on the issue took place on Thursday.