Traders in the Covered Market are taking their fight against the Oxford Transport Strategy to the Prime Minister.

Firms have written a strongly-worded letter complaining about access restrictions under the new transport scheme to Tony Blair and Patricia Hewitt, Minister for Small Businesses.

Ten of the market's 42 businesses, all specialising in fresh food or flowers, want a compromise about restrictions prohibiting traffic in the High Street. The closure has meant deliveries to the east of Oxford have to go on a long circuitous route to avoid the High Street.

The Oxford Covered Market Tenants' Association wants Oxfordshire County Council to allow them to use Oriel Square and Merton Street for deliveries but councillors have twice thrown out the motion. Part of the letter reads: "The result of the restrictions is that some of Oxford's oldest traders face escalating delivery costs, and consequent threats to their livelihood.

"We thought we would tell you as this kind of action makes a mockery of Labour's pledge to help small businesses."

Alan Lester of Delcoys in the Covered Market, who is heading the campaign added: "We are hoping the ministers will understand the difficulties we are facing."

Mark Jarman, principal planning officer for Oxfordshire County Council, said the authority was keen not to allow some people access to the High Street but deny others.

He said a number of concessions had already been granted to the traders, including providing a loading bay in the High Street, access to the back of the market and parking in Mansfield Road.

Mr Jarman said councillors had considered the traders' views but felt the environmental benefits for the OTS were considered worth the problems.

Story date: Tuesday 16 November

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