A COUNCILLOR has made a controversial suggestion to help cut future Boxing Day traffic jams around Bicester – close Bicester Village for the day.

Les Sibley reckons the designer outlet should remain closed on the bank holiday and reopen when public transport is up and running the following day.

He made the suggestion at a traffic advisory meeting as the fall-out from post Christmas traffic chaos was discussed.

Bicester Village said an “unprecedented” level of motorists visited the outlet.

People abandoned their cars on the A41, forcing it to close for a time, and swamped nearby residential streets to park.

Mr Sibley said: “I’m sure staff will welcome an extra day off, and then the following day public transport would be in operation. I think that could certainly help the situation.”

Oxfordshire County Council said it was up to Bicester Village to decide its opening hours.