TRADERS and shoppers are in limbo over plans to revamp and revitalise an Oxford shopping centre.

Vale of White Horse District Council revealed the Elms Court site, in Botley, was up for sale in February and said it was looking for retailers and developers to head the scheme.

The council, which hopes to strike a deal in the New Year, also wants to revamp the 1960s West Way Shopping Centre with cash it makes from the sale.

But nine months since the announcement, shop owners are still waiting to hear positive news.

Neil Clark, chairman of North Hinksey Parish Council, said: “There is an enormous uncertainty and there is a lot of feeling and concern. Shopkeepers feel, rightly or wrongly, that the Vale is not doing much at the moment and that nothing is really happening.

“There is also a great concern about the impact on the shopkeepers if a big supermarket comes in.

“Everyone is in limbo, really. The communication from the Vale could be better.”

The two-acre site next to the precinct is home to Seacourt Hall and Botley Library, but replacements will be included in the new development.

Estate agent David Tompkins, whose office is opposite the site, said: “There is no change really. And having worked down here for donkey’s years, it has been talked about being developed for donkey’s years. So I’ll believe it when it happens.”

There are two empty units in West Way Shopping Centre after Clovers shut in September. The Video Hall video rental shop is still empty despite closing almost five years ago.

Gary Walker, owner of Botley Barbers in Elms Parade, said investment was needed and trade would be boosted by the shoppers it would attract.

He said: “But the problem is also not knowing how it is going to affect us.

“If the place is going to be demolished, how will it affect trade in the interim?”

District council spokesman Andrew Roberts said: “The council is working in partnership with other landowners in Botley to bring forward a development scheme for a food store adjacent to the West Way shopping precinct.

“At present, discussions are on-going with a potential developer. The council hopes to have further news in the New Year.”