A radical redesign of Bonn Square in Oxford city centre is being proposed to force out alcoholics, drug dealers and junkies, writes Nick Evans.

The square has been a problem area for the police and city council for many years.

Last year's successful Operation Barter, which targeted drug dealers, led for calls for permanent changes in the square's design to prevent the problem returning.

At the height of the problems, traders formed a group asking police to look at ways of cleaning up the square, which is frequented by shoppers and tourists. Eighteen businesses near the square replied to a police questionnaire and the results showed:

* 39 per cent reported problems with beggars

* 44 per cent of customers affected by actions of 'street people'

* 61 per cent of staff felt intimidated.

* 72 per cent had thefts from premises Crime Prevention Design Adviser, Det Con Roger Hampshire, who presented a report on ways to tackle problemsto a meeting of the city centre management working party yesterday, said: "Bonn Square is an ideal place to gather and beg for money. The design of natural seating areas and high ground contributes immensely in allowing people to congregate and dominate the area.

"We are trying to get more people into the square itself and make it more attractive and self-policing." Recommendations in the report include:

* Stopping sales of strong cider and lager in the area

* Setting up a hostel place for drunks to sleep off the effects of alcohol rather than taking up space in hospitals or police stations

* Improving street lighting.

All the recommendations are short-term solutions, as Bonn Square will be redesigned in 2004 as part of the overhaul of the Westgate Shopping Centre.