Shopkeepers want to keep existing traffic routes and car parking in Bicester Market Square.

Options for the future of the square are being considered by Cherwell district councillors and Bicester town councillors.

Artist and sculptor Gordon Young has been appointed to draw up ideas to improve the area.

Among the groups being consulted on the plans is Bicester and District Chamber of Commerce. Chairman Keith Watson said: "We have not finalised our response. Our preliminary suggestions are that the central car park and kerbside parking on the Barclays Bank side should remain.

"It's important to retain the short-stay car park because a lot of people come into the town just to go to a bank or do other business that doesn't take long."

Chamber members believe the existing traffic routes should be maintained but vehicles could be slowed down by narrowing the roads at new raised pedestrian crossings.

Mr Watson said: "The taxi rank could be moved to a lay-by outside the Somerfield supermarket and the area vacated by the taxis could be pedestrianised and be a suitable location for artwork.

"We also believe that something like a fountain or water trough that was once in Market Square could be recreated to give a focal point."

He added that there was scope to tidy up the Market Square, which was often the first part of the town visitors saw.

Mr Watson said the chamber would give further consideration to proposals for the area after they had held talks about the scheme with Cherwell District Council officers next month.