OXFORD City Council has said there will be no road closures as part of this year’s Christmas celebrations after complaints of disruption last year.

A three-day road closure enforced around St Giles’ last year drew complaints from residents, businesses and city workers about the inconvenience it caused.

This year’s celebrations will still take place over three days, from Friday to Sunday, November 21 to 23, but there will be no road closures. The festivities will also be moved from St Giles’ to Gloucester Green.

Council head of policy Peter McQuitty said: “It was clear that there was concern about a three-day road closure with criticism of the inconvenience caused by it and the impact that it had on the city. There was also some concern about the noise levels.

“Therefore we have taken the decision to hold a Christmas event over three days but there will be no road closures and no event in St Giles’ to minimise disruption to residents, businesses, and people who work in the city.”

Last year’s event which was held from November 22 to November 24, attracted 100,000 visitors – up from 35,000 in the previous year. It also provided a £1.8m boost to the economy.

For a video of highlights of last year’s event, see oxfordschristmas.com