An escalator which has been broken for weeks is frustrating shoppers in Oxford.

The Westgate shopping centre in the heart of the city is visited by thousands of shoppers a day with several big-name brands housed inside.

With three levels of shops and restaurants, there is plenty to choose from but the access to the uppermost level has been somewhat stinted for weeks.

The escalator close to Primark has been out of use since earlier this year leaving shoppers having to walk a longer distance to the only other escalator.

“I find it frustrating as I have to walk around every time I want to go upstairs and it’s been faulty for ages,” said one shopper.

“It never seems to be working whenever I shop at Westgate.”

The reason given by the shopping centre for the broken escalator is due to a missing part waiting to be manufactured. 

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A spokesperson for Westgate Oxford said: "The escalator is undergoing planned maintenance and is due to be back in service within the coming weeks.

“We are awaiting a mechanical part which is being manufactured in the UK, to repair the escalator in question.

“To access the highest level of the centre, guests should use the escalator located between TK Maxx and Superdry from the Upper Ground Mall leading to the Roof Terrace.

“There are five alternative routes to access our Roof Terrace which are outlined on signage at the base of the closed escalator."