Business leaders say it is vital that cities like Oxford get a fair share of new Government investment to boost urban areas.

The Oxfordshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which represents businesses in the county, has welcomed a Government White Paper looking at the future development of towns and cities.

The chamber said overall the Thames Valley was very successful, but it did have problems in urban areas with housing and transport.

Chamber policy manager Andy Corrigan said: "We very much welcome the acknowledgement in the White Paper that Government action is needed to kick start regeneration and pave the way for private sector initiatives.

"Measures to promote urban house building, greater densities, use of brownfield sites and starter homes for key workers are very welcome.

"Proposals to provide good homes in the region at affordable prices are vital if our region is not to be held back by the people and skills shortage which is affecting local business at the moment."