SUMMERTOWN'S retail offering has 'adapted' to survive after a warning earlier this year it 'lacked identity'.

A retail 'health check' published in May revealed the area needed to build on its independent offering and that it lacked individuality.

The number of charity shops - six - was high but not considered a concern, and it had the second highest rents of all shopping districts in Oxford, behind the city centre, with a number of vacancies.

The report was carried out by property consultants Carter Jonas on behalf of Oxford City Council and was based on research and findings up to December 2016.

But James Latham, from the firm's commercial team, said the area had since adapted and shown its resilience.

He said: "Over the past 12 months we have seen demand from what might be considered non-traditional Summertown occupiers, with interest from leisure and healthcare specialists.

"Not only is this positive for Summertown and its residents, it demonstrates how consumer behaviour is changing and the effect this is having on the broader economy."

In March when the Lifestyle shop in Banbury Road closed, it left the area with more empty retail units than at any time in the past 15 years.

But since then health shop Revital, and a new gym Viavi-Be have opened and several other vacant shops have been let.

Although Oxford Wine Cafe moved out of their South Parade bar in July citing a 'huge rent increase and rates rise'.

Mr Latham said the leisure influx showed the 'urban village' and its vibrant offering was here to stay.

He said: "Summertown is quite unique in that there is still a proper high street feel and while some might argue there are high numbers of estate agents, coffee shops and charity shops, they can be found among a good mix of small boutiques and fashion stores.

"While some retail sectors have seen upheaval due to internet shopping, it appears to have provided the leisure market with new opportunities.

"With this in mind, it is positive to see how well Summertown is adapting, as landlords consider spending habits of consumers to try to future-proof their businesses as well as the high street itself."

The weekly Summertown Farmers Market was also praised in Carter Jonas' report for providing increased footfall on Sunday and adding to the vitality of the area.

But it warned that with 40 national chains, including Sainsbury's, Tesco, Marks and Spencer, Boots and Holland and Barrett, the area would struggle to attract anymore and the independent offering would need to be boosted in the coming years.