A POTENTIAL buyer has come forward to save Antiques on High in Oxford from closure.

The High Street centre, where about 30 specialist dealers are based, was under threat of closure as current business owner Tony Sloggett, 72, decided not to renew the lease.

Antiques dealers appealed for someone to take over the lease, due for renewal in March, and the centre would have closed if no-one had come forward.

Caroline Henney, who sells vintage costume jewellery and accessories, said negotiations were under way with a potential buyer and the centre would now remain open until at least the end of March.

She added: “The shutters could have gone up on Tuesday if no-one had come forward but now there is a potential buyer the dealers are feeling cautiously optimistic.

“This antiques centre is truly loved and we have been overwhelmed with support from our customers in Oxford and well-wishers around the world.

“They have all been in touch to say they don’t want this marvellous centre to shut.”

Book dealer Tony Sloggett has run the centre, owned by University College, for the past 11 years but he has decided to retire and will now only trade online.

Ms Henney said negotiations with the potential buyer have been continuing in recent weeks after he visited the 20-year-old centre.

She added: “Traders have now got smiles on their faces.”

Antiques on sale include jewellery, postcards, coins, maps, books and prints.