TRADERS have launched a petition calling on councillors to stop plans to pedestrianise Bicester’s Market Square.

In just five days, almost 1,000 people have signed up to stop parking being removed from the square.

Cherwell District Council and Oxfordshire County Council are considering removing 34 short-term, paid-for spaces in the square as part of a redesign.

Shops, restaurants and businesses have joined forces to condemn the plans, fearing they will be bad for trade and residents.

And they have won the backing of the town’s Chamber of Commerce.

Businesses are planning a string of protests in a bid to convince councillors to drop the scheme. And they have threatened to bombard councillors with letters and emails.

Lynn Wright, of Bicester Beds, said: “There is a lot of strong feeling against this proposal.

“We have the support of local councillors who will be hopefully lobbying colleagues at County Hall on our behalf.”

Keith Wadley, of electrical store Wadleys, said: “We are not saying don’t tidy up Market Square. We are saying don’t change something that works.”

Food takeaways and restaurants dotted around the square say their business will be badly hit. Andy Ng, of Wah Hong Chinese takeaway, said: “It will have a devastating effect on our business. People want to park for two minutes to pick up their food and go.”

Last month, Cherwell District Council’s executive agreed proposals to give the Market Square a £1m makeover.

The north side would be pedestrianised and there would be two-way traffic on the south side, with about 10 short-term free parking spaces retained.

The scheme also includes public art, crossing points, new paving, street furniture and landscaping.

Oxfordshire County Council’s spokesman Owen Morton said: “The council will be happy to receive this petition and will consider it when the Market Square is discussed.”