A touch of Continental class could be brought to East Oxford if a businessman has his way.

Clinton Pugh, owner of Cafe Coco and Kasbar, in Cowley Road, would like to see Dawson Street, off Cowley Road, transformed into an outdoor cafe and public square, in an attempt to smarten up the area.

Mr Pugh, who has been running Coco for 15 years, said: "It can be hard to push this area forward. It's a neglected part of town, but we want somewhere tranquil, where people can relax.

"There's nothing with any style here. If you look at France, Spain or Italy, there are plenty of public squares and places for the community to relax and enjoy themselves. I'm working towards something like that."

Mr Pugh's first move is to apply for planning permission, which he aims to do imminently.

He said it would then be a case of consulting the community and he said he would speak to every one of his neighbours.

He also intends to pay for the project, which could cost up to £80,000.

His plans would see the road resurfaced, using stone setts, and tables, chairs and more Holm oak trees, in box pkanters, some of which he has already put in the street, installed.

Tables and chairs could be set out in fine weather, with French-style benches and cycle racks completing the picture.

And, on days when tables and chairs aren't outdoors, a community market could be held, Mr Pugh said.

He has already collected more than 3,000 signatures in support of his plans.

Bollards at the Cowley Road end of the street prevent traffic cutting through from St Clements and using it as a rat run.

Mr Pugh said: "It's time to reclaim some of the streets, rather than see them filled with cars."

But his plans have not pleased everyone. Erica Steinhauer, owner of nearby Cowley Road shop Bead Games, said: "I feel these plans are inappropriate and constitute an unnecessarily rushed approach, when there's a real opportunity to create a new public open space. Mr Pugh's approach constitutes the privatisation of a public space."

She added: "I feel that a broader alliance and focused fundraising would result in the creation of a community neighbourhood space, that would also provide a charming and welcome resource for visitors, shoppers and residents."

In April, city councillors approved applications by two cafes in the city centre Oxford Campus Buttery, in Broad Street, and Bar Ha Ha, in Castle Street to allow customers to eat and drink outdoors.

In Broad Street there had been fears that a pavement cafe would add to clutter in the street and impede views of university buildings.