THE 'once magical' Covered Market needs urgent changes after being left to decline by the city council's neglect and mismanagement, a traders' group has warned.

Rescue Oxford (ROX) called for an end to 'unrealistic and unfair' rents imposed by landlords Oxford City Council and for more to be done to attract local start-up firms.

The council hit back and said it was carrying out £1.6m worth of repairs over the next four years and had a leasing strategy in place to create a 'healthy mix of tenant categories' to meet consumer demands.

Last month Covered Market traders, including Oxford Cheese Company boss Baron Robert Pouget, hit out at the management of the market and said it had ‘lost it soul’.

Traders' group ROX has now joined them in their cry for help.

Graham Jones, from the group, said: "Under the guardianship of the city council, this once magical shopping centre has been left to decline through neglect and mismanagement, while it has continuously sought to increase rents to unrealistic and unfair levels."

Mr Jones called for the council to hire a 'dynamic, incentivised' person tasked with attracting the right type of retailer and promote the virtues of the market.

He said the £1.6m was 'all very well' and would spruce up the cosmetic look of the building but wouldn't address the fundamental flaws.

"There must be a policy to attract local, start-up or pop-up businesses.

"There must be a flexible policy on rentals charged to specifically encourage the young entrepreneur with a good idea who would like to find a small affordable pitch to start trading."

He added that periodic markets in Broad Street should also be banned to protect the Covered Market.

The market, opened in 1774, has recently lost a number of long-serving traders including McCarthy's Fruit and Veg, Haymans the fishmongers, and butchers John Lindsey.

Oxford City Council said it was in discussions with a number of independent fresh produce retailers and had plans to divide and refurbish units to attract start-ups.

It also resolved to cap the level of rent increases and said it was satisfied rent levels were 'appropriate'.

City council spokesman, Chofamba Sithole, said: "Oxford City Council is wholly committed to the Covered Market, which is part of Oxford’s proud heritage and provides a haven for independent operators.

"We have demonstrated our commitment to the market’s continued success by proposing £1.6 million of investment in its fabric over the next four years.

"These repairs have kicked off with essential repairs to the roof."

A further four phases are planned and a programme of redecoration could also be approved in the budget.