BARBERS and booze seem to be the latest boom for Bicester’s town centre – but businesses say there needs to be more variety to really thrive.

Empty units are still scattered throughout Sheep Street but the number appears to be falling thanks to a council push on pulling in new businesses.

Barber shops can be found on every corner and almost every other spot is filled up with new bars or cafes.

However Sam Tilesho says the changing face of Bicester has proved fruitful for him after opening Sam Old School Barber in Sheep Street about 10 months ago.

The businessman from Oxford said he chose to open a barbers in Bicester for the cheaper rents than the city – but over the last few months the rent has been upped a 'crazy' amount.

He said: "I think more should be done to limit the same sort of businesses opening. There is too many of the same barbers, bars, charity shops and means now there is a lot of competition."

To give himself an extra edge Mr Tilesho is now looking to open a tattoo shop in the back of his barbers and is waiting on a licence to be granted.

He added: "As a whole there needs to be more for people to do in the high street, more things to enjoy and for families to come along to.

"More activities or events in the high street would attract people in, at the moment there is nothing interesting for people to do."

Also recently opened in Bicester is the FAQ bar completely kitted out with up-cycled seats, tables and a homemade bar.

General manager Mike Fountain said the appeal of opening on Bicester’s 'high street' was being a part of the town's ongoing rapid growth.

He said the bar, which opened on Friday, has already had a great response from punters and plans are in place to open a barber shop in coming weeks in the bar’s back room.

Mr Fountain said: "It has been really positive so far and we are trying to offer something a bit different – for example we do many of our own cocktails.

"It is hard to comment on the high street as we have only just started in Bicester, but the bar aspect is great: more bars help create a good night time choice for people alongside the restaurants coming along.

"For barbers – how many people need their hair cut? It is a growing trend and there is a bit of a boom for barbers and I know it is the same in Banbury.

"I don't think it is a bad thing though if it gets empty units filled up, then whatever goes in them is a positive for the community."

The FAQ bar, opened by owner Marc Sylvester as a branch of the Banbury bar AKA, is among a number of new businesses to come into the town including Torino Lounge, TOHO 35 and Coffee #1.

Shopper Ches Adamczky said: "It is disappointing that some units are closing down and it would be nice if more units were being taken up.

"I have only just noticed this new unit with Coffee#1 having been taken over. I suppose there are a lot of coffee shops et cetera, but I don't think it really matters what they are as long as the units are filled.

"The barbers, coffee shops and bars are obviously doing well and it means the high street doesn't look so run down."

Sheep Street has been the subject of a joint town and district council push to help new businesses, and attract more into the town.

Bicester mayor Sean Gaul launched the SEE Bicester campaign – Shop Enjoy Experience Bicester – earlier this year to help the cause, including a complete overhaul of Sheep Street to clear litter, repaint the town centre clock and spruce up the area.

He said: "“We have a tremendous town centre with many great businesses run by very hard-working owners who need our help.

“Our aim is encourage residents to buy local where possible and support local traders. I would love to see as many people getting involved as possible."