A NORTH Oxford street could be the next in the city to close to traffic so businesses can set up outdoor seating.

North Parade Avenue is set to begin a trial pedestrianisation next month, which could last until December.

The street, located just off Banbury Road, is home to about 30 businesses, including cafes, restaurants and pubs.

The North Parade Residents and Traders Association has been collecting traders' views ahead of the move, as part of an ongoing consultation.

Its chair, Chris Williams, has been encouraged by the willingness of Oxfordshire County Council and Oxford City Council to put pedestrianisation in place.

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He said: “We’ve never succeeded before, as we’ve always had individuals who say they need to get their car through.

“We want to showcase the benefits as soon as possible.

“I’m optimistic they’ll hit the ground running.”

It comes after the temporary pedestrianisation of other Oxford streets received positive feedback from businesses and customers this summer.

The closure of St Michael's Street has been extended by a year until September 30, 2021, while the city council has launched a survey about a possible return to outdoor dining in George Street after its trial ended on Sunday.

A Temporary Traffic Regulation Order (TTRO) would be needed to put pedestrianisation in place in North Parade, with traders footing the £2,240 cost.

One such business is the Rose & Crown pub and manager Adam Hall feels outdoor seating would make a real difference.

He said: “If you’ve been to the pub you know how small and pokey it is.

“We’ve been taking the restrictions very seriously and only have space for about 40 people, down from 120.

“It means we can get a few more tables outside the front and increase capacity.

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“It’s been incredibly hard and we’re battling to break-even.

“We aren’t crowding people in the back garden because we think we have a moral obligation to keep people safe.”

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But David Rhymes, landlord at another North Parade pub The Gardener's Arms, is worried a fall in through traffic would have a negative impact.

He said: “I get quite a few customers arriving and leaving by taxi, but they won’t even be able to drop off in Winchester Road.

“It’s just another problem we could do without.

“We’re slap bang in the middle of college land, so it has been very quiet.

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“I don’t think any further disruption would be a good idea.

“When we came here 27 years ago it was mainly businesses, but since then some of them have been closed and it’s turning into posh accommodation.”

George Street was shut between 10am and 9.30pm during its trial period and the county council expects it to be a similar story for North Parade.

Spokesperson Marc Evans said: "Options are being looked at, but the main thought is that it will be a timed road closure."