A BOTLEY butcher wants locals to back up their campaign over shopping centre redevelopment by using West Way’s independent traders more.

Residents concerned about plans to transform the West Way centre have long raised fears about the potential impact on small businesses.

But Andy Brock, who owns AJ Brock Butchers in Elms Parade, said calls to retain small businesses in a new development are not being matched by action.

He said: “There is everything in West Way for everyday living. People have got to come and spend money.”

The butcher also said his lease is due in October and he has had no information or guidance from Vale of White Horse District Council on his future.

Developer Mace, due to submit plans later this year, has promised to retain the 1930s shop frontage.

A planning document setting out guidelines encourages developers to make Elms Parade more viable.

One design principle reads: “Refurbishment works or changes of use of units contained within Elms Parade should be encouraged where they ensure the long term viability of the building.”

Mr Brock, from Banbury, said: “No-one has approached me and told me what is happening – all the information I have had is second hand from local people .”

Mr Brock, a butcher for 20 years, said consistent campaigning for small, independent shops had not led to more trade.

More than 1,200 people objected to Doric’s plans and at one point a public protest attracted almost 1,000 people holding balloons around the centre.

But the butcher said footfall has fallen in recent years.

“There’s been a big campaign to keep small, independent traders but they are not backing it up,” he said.

“If those thousand people lining up outside all came in to buy from us we would be doing very nicely, thank you.”

West Way Community Concern chairman Chris Church said a local business forum was being set up to keep businesses like AJ Brock in the loop when it comes to the redevelopment.

Mr Church said: “A local business forum is needed to promote the good variety of shops. There is a concern that people don’t use them.”

He said Waitrose’s new supermarket due to open in Botley Road next month will compound the problem.

Mace is expected to present plans to the public in October before submitting a formal application.

A Vale of White Horse District Council spokesman said: “Mace has confirmed that Elms Parade would be retained within its redevelopment proposal.

“Nothing will happen to this shop or Elms Parade as a whole if Mace’s proposals proceed.

“Before we published the draft document for consultation we spoke with key community groups, local councillors and landowners to get their feedback and ideas.”