A TOUCH of continental class could be brought to East Oxford if a local businessman has his way.

Clinton Pugh, owner of Cafe Coco and Kazbar 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 has been running the two businesses for 15 years and feels it is time to add a continental feel to East Oxford.

He said: "It can be hard to push this area forward. It is a neglected part of town, but we want somewhere tranquil, where people can relax.

"There is 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."

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 says he intends to speak to every one of his neighbours. He also intends to fund it all, with the bill potentially coming to £80,000.

His plans would see the road repaved, using stone sets, and tables, chairs and more oaks, some of which he has already put in the street, planted.

Tables and chairs could be set out on the warmest of days with French-style benches and cycle racks completing the picture.

And, on days when tables and chairs are not set out, a community market could be held, Mr Pugh said.

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

Dawson Street has bollards at the Cowley Road end of the street to prevent traffic cutting through from St Clements and using it as a rat-run.

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

But his plans have not pleased everyone.

He added: "It is obviously difficult because people think I want to take over the road."

Erica Steinhauer, owner of nearby shop Bead Games, said: "I feel these plans are inappropriate and constitute an unnecessarily rushed approach when there is 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 plans for 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.