A WOULD-BE shop owner has warned sky-high rents are making it “impossible” to open a store in Oxford.

Rhian Clark, who lived in the city for 20 years, said her dreams of launching a gift shop in Jericho or Little Clarendon Street were in tatters after she was priced out of the market.

Last night she warned the area was becoming a “run-down, sad part of Oxford” and urged landlords to offer more reasonable rates.

Earlier this month the Oxford Mail revealed how Little Clarendon Street was in crisis, with three independent shops closing in quick succession and others teetering on the brink.

Mrs Clark, who now lives in Wiltshire, said: “Being unable to afford the rents in Oxford town centre, I thought the Jericho area would be a good alternative as I know it well, and I thought my shop would be a good addition.”

Mrs Clark said she had been quoted between £24,000 and £28,000 rent a year for shops in the street.

A 770 sq ft shop in Little Clarendon Street is currently being advertised for £28,500 per year, without the cost of rates and bills.

But in comparison, a 2,639 sq ft store in Witney town centre – where shoppers get free parking all day– is on the market for £28,000 per year.

Habibi, Inspires Art Gallery and Lacy’s have all closed and shoppers are being urged to support the remaining 18 independent businesses in Little Clarendon Street.

Mrs Clark said: “Oxford has less and less character as independent shops are forced out.

“It is truly disheartening, but there is absolutely no help available anywhere.

“I think because there is no regulations or restrictions about what these landlords can charge, what could be a thriving shopping area is turning into a run-down, sad part of Oxford.”

One trader in Little Clarendon Street, who asked not to be named, said: “This is exactly what businesses here are facing.

“It proves that, not only are traders struggling to survive, but also the future of the street is in doubt because new shops are being prevented from opening.”

However, one independent trader in Headington said she had no real problem opening her floristry shop.

Laura Newman opened Laura Loves Flowers, in Oxford Road, Headington, earlier this month.

She said: “We managed to get a good rent by haggling with the landlords.

“The shop had been empty for a year and it’s a good space, so we were delighted to get it.

“Business is steady but we have had good feedback and hope to get some more contracts soon.”

Oxford City Council spokes-woman Louisa Dean said: “Oxford City Council own various business premises in Oxford and we charge the market rent for these properties.

“We don’t own any property in Little Clarendon Street.”