SHOPPERS have been busy spending cash on Christmas gifts in Oxford city centre, according to traders.

The Clarendon Centre reported a two per cent drop in customers in the week between December 14 and 21 but the money they spent increased, compared with the same period last year.

Cornmarket Street presented a busy scene yesterday, while the Westgate Shopping Centre has seen more customers than a year ago. Oxford Castle’s Christmas Market and restaurants reported doing a roaring trade.

Clarendon Centre manager Andy Margieson said: “What we’re experiencing is fewer people coming through the doors but they’re spending more money than before and that’s what it’s all about.”

Trevor Osborne, chairman of Oxford Castle Ltd, said its restaurants were boosted by 21,000 pre-booked Christmas meals this month. He added: “Hosting the first Oxford Christmas Market attracted plenty of new people to the site. More than 12,000 were counted through the gates.”

Covered Market Traders’ Association chairman Chris Sarren, owner of the Cake Shop, said footfall was higher than last year.

He added: “Everyone has said it has been a reasonable Christmas. The only thing that hasn’t helped has been the weather.”

The Westgate Centre is open today from 9am to 4pm, the Clarendon Centre between 8am and 5pm and the market until 5.30pm.