Business leaders in Headington, Oxford, have blamed traffic jams and poor parking for a rash of shop closures.

Members of the Headington Business Association have called the area a disaster, claiming there is no variety, people no longer shop in the area and stores are empty.

Four stores have shut, while another two have announced they are closing.

Resident-only parking is already in force around the former Manor Ground site, but the county council wants to extend the permit scheme in roads on both sides of the London Road.

Association chairman Bob Clarke said: "With all the traffic and limited parking, Headington is becoming less of an attractive place to shop. It's all a bit of a disaster.

"We've always said the lack of parking is a major problem.

"It could get worse when they extend the resident parking permit zones.

"There's a need for a realistic number of short term parking spots. The ones at the bottom of Beech Road and Sandfield Road are well used."

Mr Clarke said the association was also concerned that Headington had half a dozen charity shops.

Meanwhile three shops which have already shut, Oxford Computer Company, Daly's Butchers and Topfruits, are still vacant.