According to a new survey, tackling street-drinking, homelessness and drug-taking need, to be a priority to improve Oxford's city centre, writes Caroline Hayden.

A total of 1,000 members of Oxford's Talkback panel, organised by the city council, Oxfordshire Health Authority and the police, were questioned about a wide range of issues affecting the city centre, key findings from which were published yesterday. The survey revealed that 65 per cent of the city's workforce were satisfied with Oxford and 55 per cent of shoppers were satisfied with its retail facilities. The figures also showed that pedestrianisation of Cornmarket was extremely popular and 63 per cent of the panel thought the scheme should be extended to Queen Street. But more than half the people questioned said they were not satisfied with the city centre as a place to spend their leisure time and many felt social problems, such as homelessness, street drinking and drugs, should be made a priority.

Nearly a third of the panel said there were areas of the city they would avoid because they felt they were unsafe.

Other findings include: * 55 per cent of respondents said they used the bus as their main form of city centre transport

* 76 per cent of bus users said they were satisfied with the buses they used

* 40 per cent cycled in the city centre and said they thought Oxford was good for cycling. But 69 per cent said some cyclists made walking in the city centre dangerous

* Lack of car parking near entertainment facilities, Gloucester Green coach station or the shops was highlighted * 85 per cent of people said they would like to see more open spaces for people to sit

* And 52 per cent backed a city host scheme to give directions, liaise with emergency services and monitor minor offences.

Nicola Lloyd, consultation and research officer, said: "This survey gives us valuable infomation. The findings will be considered carefully.