Tourism bringing 'challenges' to Oxfordshire

Coaches parked on St Giles in Oxford is a source of frustration to some residents

Residents recognise the "importance" of tourism to Oxfordshire - but have concerns about issues like traffic management, a survey has found.

One person told the BBC that Oxford is being turned into a "theme park" for visitors - with too many coach companies breaching traffic regulations on St Giles being a particular problem.

But Experience Oxfordshire said its findings show that despite "challenges" - 90% of residents would recommend Oxfordshire as a place to visit.

Oxfordshire County Council said it was "determined" to find a "practical solution" to the issue of coach parking in central Oxford.

Destination management organisation Experience Oxfordshire invited residents from across Oxfordshire to contribute their views and opinions in an online survey.

89% of respondents recognised the importance of tourism to Oxfordshire in terms of the contribution to the economy - but concerns were also expressed.

CEO Hayley Beer-Gamage said: "Our recent survey reveals a deep and genuine pride in Oxfordshire as a destination from residents.

"At the same time, we acknowledge and take seriously the concerns raised - particularly around the capacity of local public infrastructure to support a vibrant and growing tourism sector."

Oxford resident Gareth Jones said he welcomed the fact that people wanted to visit the city - but the needs of tourists and those that live there needed to be balanced.

He said that he had recently witnessed 24 coaches parked on St Giles, blocking things like cycle lanes.

"Local government seems to be happy to turn the historic part of the city into a theme park for visitors," he added.

"At a time when local transport policy trumpets the need to reduce congestion in and around Oxford, a blind eye is being turned to coach companies who regularly breach traffic regulations."

Oxfordshire County Council's cabinet member for transport, Andrew Gant, said he was a daily user of St Giles and there was "more to do" on the issue.

He added: "It's a problem that has been neglected for far too long, and I am determined with colleagues to find a practical solution which welcomes visitors to our beautiful city, but also safeguards and enhances its most prominent and attractive spaces for everyone."