TRADERS have been reassured a legal document which is essential to the redevelopment of Bicester town centre will be signed imminently.

The £70m scheme is being run in partnership between Sainsbury’s and Cherwell District Council.

The project will include a Sainsbury’s supermarket, a range of shops and a seven-screen cinema over car parks in Crown Walk and Bure Place.

But traders have become concerned because the scheme, due to get under way last month, has still not started.

Businesses began to fear the work would be forced to continue beyond the Christmas 2011 completion date after hearing that a document finalising highways issues was still with Oxfordshire County Council.

But the council has now reassured businesses that the paperwork has left County Hall and is with the relevant parties.

The document, a so-called Section 278 agreement, means the county council can give permission for roadworks, in this case the creation of two roundabouts in Manorsfield Road.

Norman Bolster, Cherwell’s executive member for economic development and estates, said: “I heard yesterday the documents were on the circuit.

“It is brilliant. Now all the legal agreements have been signed Sainsbury’s can start work towards the end of the month.

“It’s all systems go – the development will be going ahead.”

Rachel Faulkner, Bicester Vision partnership manager, who was concerned the opening date could slip from December next year, said she was delighted.

She said: “We have heard today that the Section 278 agreement has now been agreed and is being distributed to all relevant parties for signature.

“Once the county council have received these signed documents back, work can begin.

“The contractors, Moss Kier, are on board and will be ready to start work imminently. We are delighted that things seem to finally be on the move.”

Bicester Chamber of Commerce chairman Ben Jackson urged everyone involved to sign the agreement quickly to demonstrate their support for Bicester and its traders and residents.

A spokesman for the county council said: “The documents are with the developer for approval and we await news from them.”

A spokesman for Sainsbury’s said: “Sainsbury’s is pleased that the county council has progressed the necessary legal agreements required for works to commence.

“Sainsbury’s is keen to start work as soon as possible after this process has been finalised and we hope to announce a start date shortly.”