AN ANTIQUES centre in Oxford could close after trading for 20 years if no-one comes forward to buy the lease.

There are about 30 specialist antique dealers based at Antiques on High but they will all be left without premises if no-one takes over the lease, which is due for renewal in March.

Book dealer Tony Sloggett is the current business owner and has run the centre, owned by University College, for the past 11 years.

But he is 72 and will sell only online when the current lease for the premises in High Street comes up for renewal in March.

Mr Sloggett, who sells antiquarian books, said none of the antique dealers who trade at the centre, have come forward to take over the lease.

The father-of-two and grandfather-of-two, who lives with wife Sue in Steventon, said: “I did say two years ago that I was going to retire but nothing has happened and I am not prepared to take on the lease for another 10 years.

“Some of the other traders talked to each other about taking over the lease but no-one was prepared to step up to the plate.

“Antiques on High has become quite an institution over the years and is popular with locals and with tourists but it will close in March if no-one takes over the lease.

“The ideal situation now would be if someone came in from outside but we have advertised and so far that has not happened and time is running out.”

Mr Sloggett was in publishing for over 40 years and once worked for tycoon Robert Maxwell.

He added: “Book dealing for me is more of a hobby than a career and I don’t want the responsibility of having the lease.”

Caroline Henney, 59, from Headington, who sells vintage costume jewellery, said: “Antiques on High is unique in the city centre and the fear is if it closes there will never be a good-sized antique and craft centre in the heart of Oxford again.

“Retailers from all sectors are embracing online and antiques and vintage stores are closing their doors to trade in this modern way.

“While this may well be the future it is sad that some of the pleasures of proper browsing under one roof across a wide range of specialist goods will no longer be enjoyed in The High.

“We have many loyal customers and in the summer months attract visitors from all over the world.

“We have about 30 specialists selling the widest variety of goods including ceramics, jewellery, pictures, maps and prints, toys, silver and books, as well as local crafts.

“People have told me they will miss the approachable exchanges they enjoy with our established traders.

“The lease expires in March and I imagine the college would like it to continue as an antiques centre.”