An Oxford nightclub owner is "hogging parking spaces" by letting bands use public parking spots overnight, while the police refuse to control the problem, a resident claims.

The Zodiac nightclub in Cowley Road is a popular venue for bands, but according to Richard House, 56, of James Street, Cowley, the owner is "flouting the law" every time a tour bus parks in the time-restricted bay, which should be available for shoppers.

Mr House said: "Pop groups live in them 24 hours a day. It is completely illegal.

"When the buses aren't there, the nightclub puts out a row of beer barrels to block off the parking spaces.

"In Cowley Road there is huge pressure for parking spaces and some days there are huge double-decker buses parking with trailers, taking up eight spaces.

"I was told by the police that blocking off the highway was a serious offence, but they refuse to help. This has been going on for two years in front of a police station.

"They said they do not have the power to move the buses even if they are parking there all day. If I parked there, the police would make me move."

Zodiac owner Nick Moorbath said: "Half of it is our loading bay and we park in there and we make sure we don't go outside it. If the bands couldn't park here, they wouldn't come. They use the club's power supply and this becomes their home. We are an asset to Oxford."

He said that when Cowley Road was improved, he worked with the council and police so it wouldn't cause problems.

"I spent a lot of time getting this right so it doesn't obstruct traffic," he said. "We got the traffic island moved.

"The bands don't bother anybody and our neighbours don't mind. There are more important issues on Cowley Road and we are good for the community.

"I am happy to talk to Mr House about it," he added.

An Oxfordshire County Council spokesman said the whole parking bay was owned by the council and did not belong to Mr Moorbath.

According to Mr House, traffic wardens from Control Plus, the company which patrols the city on behalf of the council, are also frustrated about the situation.

Oxfordshire County Council parking manager Helen Crozier said: "This is an on-going problem. We regularly dish out tickets to the buses that park outside the Zodiac but it appears not to be a deterrent. They just ride roughshod over the law. This takes up road and parking space and is inconsiderate to other road users.

"I will be having discussions with our engineers to see if we can look at the layout of the road to alleviate the problem."

A police spokesman said: "We are trying to speak with Mr House and liaising with the council. We have not had any complaints from anyone else."