PLANS to ensure pedestrians can reach Oxford's new £440m Westgate Centre safely have now been put forward.

Oxfordshire County Council has put forward a series of proposals for new pedestrian crossings around the centre, which is currently being revamped.

The last part of the glass roof was pulled down earlier this week as construction work continues, with the new centre expected to create 1,000 jobs when it reopens in October 2017.

A new zebra crossing layout has been proposed by the county council for the Castle Street/New Road junction with Bonn Square.

The council also plans to create a new zebra crossing on a new street between Speedwell Street and Castle Street, and a new signalled crossing in Thames Street near the junction with Blackfriars Road.

Cabinet member for transport David Nimmo Smith said: "It's important to plan these crossings nice and early and complete the necessary consultation."

Labour city councillor Colin Cook said: "These new crossings show plans for the Westgate Centre are moving forward quickly.

"Shoppers need to know they can cross safely to get to the Westgate and the trick is to position the crossings at the right desire lines - where shoppers are most likely to want to cross."

The centre is being extended and when it is finished it will cover 800,000sq ft, including more than 100 new stores, 25 restaurants and cafes, a boutique cinema, rooftop terrace and new public spaces.

Plans have been submitted by developer Westgate Oxford Alliance, including the creation of a flagship John Lewis department store.

Businesses already signed up for the new centre include H&M, Primark, River Island, Superdry, Next, Schuh and Goldsmiths, with cinema chain Curzon Cinemas also confirmed.

Residents who want to comment on the proposals for the crossings have been asked to contact the council by Friday, May 20.