'Shop in London' advert causes protest

The advert encouraged people to shop in London

Oxford traders say they are furious the city council is encouraging people to do their Christmas shopping in London.

The council's newspaper, The City, ran a front page advertisement promoting London shopping.

The City is published quarterly to inform residents about the council's activities and is delivered to 70,000 homes.

The council has now apologised to local traders saying it should be doing its best to promote the city centre.

I hold my hands up, it was a mistake

Colin Cook
Oxford City Council

The controversy relates to an advertisement for Stagecoach's Oxford Tube coach service, suggesting that city residents should do their Christmas shopping in London.

Graham Jones, who represents traders' group Rescue Oxford (Rox) and the High Street Business Association said: "This is another own goal for Oxford City Council, it sends the wrong message to people."

He said the council should be trying to sort out the parking problems in the city rather than encouraging people to shop elsewhere.

Colin Cook, from Oxford City Council, said: "We should be encouraging people to stay and shop in Oxford and not go to London.

"This ad should not have gone out and I apologise.

"We check the paper two hours before it goes to print but this was missed.

"I hold my hands up, it was a mistake."