TRADERS in Bicester claim they are already facing financial hardship because of the plans to redevelop the town.

Parking has emerged as a big issue for traders and shoppers ahead of the start of work later this year on the £70m town centre redevelopment scheme.

Richard Gould, 36, of Merlin Way, Langford, said: "If the parking at Tesco supermarket and Market Square is taken away, people will not come to Bicester.

"Shoppers who can't find anywhere to park will get fed up of looking for a space and leave.

"This happens a lot at Christmas time, when people are deterred from coming here."

Mark McDougall, 47, who runs a watch repair and battery stall, said: "In the long term it could only do Bicester good.

"More locals are shopping in Banbury following its redevelopment."

Shopkeepers said the redevelopment - likely to take up to two years to complete - would in the future benefit traders and the town. But they fear trade is already suffering and people are doing their shopping elsewhere.

Butcher Brad Kershaw, who works at Clays, in Sheep Street, said: "Customers won't come here if they can't get parked during the redevelopment.

"We're already seeing an impact on our business, with Bicester people shopping in other areas."

Marion Wimpenny, of Bicester Bakery, also in Sheep Street, said "Bicester is going to die because of all the redevelopment work. It will cause complete havoc.

"People will just go to supermarket chains like Tesco, where they can park and grab what they need.

"It will be nice in the end, but while the redevelopment is going on it will be a nightmare."

Town and district councillor Les Sibley said: "It's important that during the redevelopment we ensure the revitalisation and survival of the town centre shops, farmers' and Friday markets, instead of waiting for their demise."