RESIDENTS are calling for the council to listen to the people of Bicester when deciding on planning applications after refusing a new retail park.

Cherwell District Council has thrown out plans to build three new shops, restaurants and a gym in Oxford Road over congestion concerns and the impact on the town centre trade.

Since then residents have hit back, calling for councillors to listen to their wishes and are pushing for more affordable retailers in town.

Resident Alex Ford, of Langford Village, said: “Cherwell District Council seems so out of touch with what the people that elected them want in their rejection of the proposed Bicester Retail Park.

“It is about time Cherwell District Council woke up and supplied what their electors desire, as currently I do not think they are held in very high esteem with decisions like this.”

Following the refusal there has been a petition set up which now has 1,525 signatures against the decision.

It presses for more affordable shops to be introduced to the town to save residents driving to places such as Banbury or Milton Keynes.

Commenting on the petition Daryl Williams said: “Amenities which are desperately needed for a growing town are rejected but there appears to be a necessity for two hotels which provide absolutely nothing for the people of Bicester.

“It is time Cherwell District Council look past their fixation of looking after the independent stores and start to cater for the masses.”