Traders in Abingdon have criticised the town's new central traffic system.

Some say they're losing business, five weeks after the two-way Stratton Way was introduced.

Shops in Ock Street report a slowdown in trade. Customers tell them they are staying away from the town because of congestion, not only at peak morning and evening times, but during the day along Ock Street.

Oxfordshire County Council urged people not to rush to judgement and wait for the whole scheme to be completed. The final set of new lights near Hale Meadow car park become operational in two weeks.

Since the changed pattern was introduced, drivers have complained about longer journey times through the town.

The worst affected areas include Ock, High, and West St Helen streets and Oxford Road. Traders say it is discouraging shoppers from coming into Abingdon.

Jack Mathews, who runs the florist stall in Ock Street, said: "We reckon our trade is down by about 30 per cent since the new system became operational. Some customers tell us they prefer to drive out to our shop in Sutton Courtenay and go to the Orchard Centre in Didcot where there's two hours free parking than sit in traffic jams in Abingdon."

John Charles, owner of Richard Coxeters soft furnishings, describes Saturday trade as "almost dead." He said: "The old traffic system was not perfect but it was better than what we have seen so far. Journey times in and out of the town have increased. If this is going to be the trend in the future then I fear for the town centre because people will shop at Tesco and Fair- acres or go to Didcot."

John Beer, manager of Oxford Beds, and builders merchants Fred Knight report a slowdown in business.

Carole Stanley, manager of the Abode Furniture store, said: "We are not as busy as we should be. People are getting fed up waiting. I live in south Abingdon and walk into work. In the morning traffic can pile up down West St Helen Street, along St Helen's Wharf, over the iron bridge and into Caldecott and Wilsham Roads."

David Robertson, county council transport spokesman, said the scheme was not yet complete and it was too early to pass judgement as the traffic signal near the bridge was still to be implemented.

He said: "This will allow all of the signals in the town centre to be linked and reactive to varying queue lengths. Once this system comes into its own we should see improvement. The signals at either end of Stratton Way are temporarily working on fixed time which means that they are not reactive to any queue lengths."