TRADERS and shoppers say more needs to be done to promote Oxford’s Gloucester Green markets.

The Oxford Mail spoke to stallholders and customers at the Thursday antiques market after Oxford City Council announced a review.

The council wants to improve the markets as part of a drive to enhance the city as a retail destination.

Second-hand clothes seller, Tony Sault, said: “I do feel it should be advertised more as it could be a bigger attraction.

“I do not think the people of Oxford appreciate the type of market they have got.”

Shopper Rosy Bailey, from London, said: “It is a fantastic market. I usually time my visits to Oxford so I can come here.

“I live in walking distance from Portobello Market and a lot of these stalls are equally good and much cheaper and sometimes there is more variety.”

But Mick Melbourne, owner of Throwback Records, said the recession had hit market traders hard. He said: “I have lost a lot of my regular customers.

“It is normally fairly quiet here. It is a lot slower than other places but there is a nice atmosphere about the place.

“It is a great position in the centre of town so it should be busier.”

Gloucester Green was the city’s old cattle market until the 1930s, when it became the bus station. It was revamped in 1987.

Shopper Duncan Brewer, 73, said: “It is an excellent market. You can get some real bargains here. But it is better in tourist season.

“A lot of people on the stalls know their subjects.

“But I don’t think it is used and appreciated enough by people in the city.“ Rose Dagul, 23, said: “It is brilliant. I used to live in London so it is nice to have something like this here. But I think people are not aware that it is on.”

There is a general market in the square every Wednesday, an antiques market on Thursdays and a twice-monthly farmers’ market.

Antiques trader Paula Raven said high parking costs were driving traders and shoppers away.

She said: “If we are exhibiting in a market we should get some concessions.”

Priscilla Daniels, owner of Parkside Antiques, said trade and the quality of goods on offer had dwindled in the last year. She said: “With all the colleges and businesses and all the money they have, surely it could be made a bit more up-market.”

  • To take part in the council’s consultation, which runs until next Monday, call Rachel Greenham on 01865 252709 or email rgreenham@oxford.gov.uk