Banbury MP Tony Baldry dropped in to Bicester's Crown Walk today (Friday) to visit Santa and meet some of the town centre's newest traders. The pop-up shops were the initiative of Nigel French of Coles Book Shop and have received enthusiastic backing from developers Sainsbury's and Cherwell District Council.

Would-be traders have been quick to take the opportunity of trying their luck at retail, and local community organisations have joined in enthusiastically to make Bicester town centre a brighter place. Santa's Grotto which popped up in the 'old sweetie shop', is organised by Bicester Rotary Club in partnership with Cherwell DC Arts Development team and several charitable organisations in the town. Mr Baldry said "This is a great initiative and full marks to the shop keepers of Bicester for beating the gloom of recession. There is a wonderful feeling of community spirit here as the people of Bicester work together to keep the town vibrant and alive".

Santa's Grotto has been open on Fridays and Saturdays leading up to Christmas, offering families a chance to meet Santa, try their hand at Christmas craft activities, purchase some Christmas gifts for charity or have their faces decorated by an expert Face Painter. Santa is currently residing in a Shelterbox 'igloo' at Unit 7 Crown Walk, Bicester.

Group Photo: Pippa Martin, Cherwell Arts Development Officer, Roxy Klein of Roots Pop-up, Steven Waddup of Furniture Secrets Pop-up, Tony Baldry MP, Nigel French of Coles Book Shop, Jayne O'Sullivan (Roots), Santa (Bicester Rotary), Megan Bennett, local artist Based on information supplied by Liz Yardley.