Businesses warn of heavy losses during town centre overhaul
Witney’s business community has raised the alarm over a sharp decline in trade during the ongoing programme to revamp the town’s High Street and Market Square. The Witney and District Chamber of Commerce says many members report sales are down by between 20% and 30% on last year while construction is under way, and is urging local authorities to take immediate steps to steady the high street.
The Oxfordshire County Council scheme, which started in May and is scheduled to run until November, aims to make the town centre easier to navigate and more welcoming, with new trees and seating, extensive footway resurfacing and additional pedestrian space. A new bus stop for community transport is also part of the design. The works have been described as £4.4 million in value and have attracted scrutiny over both timing and impact.
Calls for support: rates relief and better wayfinding
Chamber chair Adrian Bullock said members are seeing a pronounced fall in customer numbers and turnover at a time of year when footfall would usually be higher. In a letter to local authorities and elected representatives, the Chamber is asking West Oxfordshire District Council to consider measures on business rates, and urging Oxfordshire County Council to install clearer signs at key car parks to reassure visitors that shops and hospitality venues remain open.
“There has been a significant drop in customers numbers and a major impact on trading figures,”
Mr Bullock warned, adding that losses of this order can sweep away most, if not all, profit in retail and hospitality.
- Requested actions: explore business rates relief; install prominent access signage at Marriotts Walk and Woolgate car parks.
- Reported impact: takings down 20–30% year-on-year among Chamber members during construction.
- Project features: more seating and trees; extensive footway resurfacing; creation of additional pedestrian space; a community transport bus stop.
Project scope and timetable
The county says the upgrade will simplify movement through the High Street and improve access. The package includes resurfacing of around 2,000 m² of existing footways, the creation of over 1,000 m² of new footway, plus new public realm features. While many residents support investment in the town centre, some traders and councillors have questioned whether the immediate disruption is proportionate to the benefits and whether the timing could have been better planned.
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Construction window | May to November |
| Estimated cost | £4.4m |
| Footway works | ~2,000 m² resurfaced; >1,000 m² new |
| Public realm | New seating and trees |
| Transport | New community transport bus stop |
Political and seasonal pressures
Local debate has intensified over the summer trading period. District councillor Thomas Ashby argued that the programme risks squeezing hospitality venues during peak months when outdoor service areas are at a premium. In his words:
“I worry that the summer construction will hinder our hospitality trade by eliminating outdoor service areas.”
He also referenced wider fiscal pressures facing businesses. The Chamber’s intervention echoes long-standing concerns from high streets across the county about balancing regeneration with day-to-day viability.
Access during works and what shoppers can do
Traders say the biggest hurdle is perception—some visitors assume shops are closed when barriers go up. The Chamber has asked for highly visible signs at the Marriotts Walk and Woolgate car parks to direct people to open businesses. While temporary layouts and narrowed walkways can slow journeys, many premises remain open with adjusted access. Local shoppers who can continue to use town centre businesses during the works provide vital custom at a fragile time for independent retailers and cafés.
Next steps
The Chamber is seeking engagement from both West Oxfordshire District Council on potential rates support and Oxfordshire County Council on immediate wayfinding. The county has maintained that the completed scheme will improve accessibility and the overall experience on the High Street. With several months of construction still to run, the focus will be on whether mitigations—such as clearer signage—can help stem further losses while longer-term benefits are yet to be realised.
