Concerns about the effect of the credit crunch on the commercial property market are being dismissed - at least in Witney.

Demand for space is high in the expanding town with the Marriotts Close development creating 100,000 sq ft of retail and restaurant premises plus a multi-screen cinema, multi-storey car park and 188 new homes.

Scott Harkness, commercial partner at agent Carter Jonas, said: "Concerns about an economic slowdown are off the agenda in Witney, as the commercial property market in the town continues to flourish,"

"Retail space is always in high demand, and Mill Walk is in a particularly good position for the major expansion that's about to take place in the town."

And the activity is having a spin-off effect for other smaller developments such as Mill Walk situated near the town centre.

Two of the five units in the recently opened scheme have already been snapped up by local tenants, Curves fitness studio and Denis Green Carpets, Fabrics and Blinds.

Curves partner Melanie Powell said: "The unit at Mill Walk is ideal as there is parking outside, we are in the town centre and near a supermarket.

"These are all factors that make it easy for our customers to drop in, work out and be on their way within a very short space of time."

Denis Green is an established family firm that has traded in Witney since 1969 and is moving from its original site in Market Square.

Partner Roger Green said: "Mill Walk is in a superb location as we keep our position in the town centre but there are more facilities such as parking right outside and more space."

Mill Walk has its own parking court and is positoned between the Woolgate shopping centre and the new Marriotts Close development which opens in December.

The units are all ground floor retail with between 1171 and 1394 sq ft.

Mr Harkness added: "It is certainly the right time to invest in Witney There is rapid change taking place and the businesses that establish themselves now will be best placed to take advantage of this remarkable growth."