Doom and gloom forecasts for Banbury's secondary shopping areas after the opening of a major new shopping centre have not come true - says one of the town's leading commercial letting agents.

Chris White, managing director of White Mitchell and chairman of North Oxfordshire Chamber of Commerce, said: "Many people thought the Castle Quay shopping centre, when it was opened just over a year ago, would kill the High Street, Parson's Street and other parts of the old town centre.

"I predicted that the new centre would add choice and variety, which had been lacking in the town, and would improve the attractiveness of Banbury as a major shopping location."

Mr White added: "We have experienced a significant improvement in the take-up of empty shops in the town.

"Demand has been fuelled by the newly-found attraction of Banbury as a popular shopping destination with excellent car parking facilities and a compact town centre."

Mr White also said that the town was likely to see shops moving to different locations because of the new development.

Shops let recently include three in White Lion Walk, one in Church Lane, and the former Pearl's greeting card shop in High Street.