Jobs and incomes in Oxfordshire could soon be at risk in the wake of the American terrorist atrocities, a pressure group warned.

Rescue Oxford (ROX) has called for immediate action from councillors and business leaders to minimise the threat.

The group's joint chairman, Julian Blackwell, said that some traders were already facing a downturn in business.

In a letter to Cllr Keith Mitchell, leader of Oxfordshire County Council, he said: "With many businesses in the city heavily dependent on tourism, as well as county towns like Woodstock, Burford and Henley, ROX believes that Oxford faces a worrying future.

"Hoteliers are already reporting cancellations, tourist-focused shops have seen trade falling and businesses essentially unaffected by tourism are increasingly concerned that consumer confidence is about to plummet.

"As the most representative organisation of city businesses, ROX believes that the city and county councils should launch an immediate partnership with business to mitigate any threat to jobs and investment in the city. The sooner we act, the better.

"We need a broad and imaginative approach to make Oxford attractive and welcoming."

ROX is calling on the city and county councils, businesses and colleges to hold an emergency meeting to discuss the threats to the city's prosperity and decide what practical steps can be taken to protect jobs and incomes.

It suggests new marketing promotions targeted at UK visitors, rent and rate relief for badly affected businesses, new initiatives to improve the look of the city and a less hostile approach to visitors.

It is also calling for the proposed increases in park and ride parking charges from 50p to 70p to be suspended.

It hopes that a special committee it is setting up to consult with businesses in the city will produce other imaginative ideas.

Mr Blackwell said ROX, formed two years ago to oppose parts of the Oxford Transport Strategy, wanted to play its part in a new partnership "vital for the city's prosperity in these difficult and tragic times".

He said he hoped that councillors would respond quickly and positively to ROX's request.

Mr Blackwell added: "We need urgent action -- a broad and imaginative approach to make Oxford more attractive and welcoming in the difficult months ahead."