STAFF at a deli selling artisan spirits and liqueurs in North Oxford claim the reopening of the Westgate Centre has had a dire effect on trade.

Demijohn opened in Little Clarendon Street, off Walton Street, in 2013, and built up a loyal customer base.

But since the £440m centre reopened on October 24 there has been a severe reduction in footfall and takings, according to owner Angus Ferguson, who opened the first Demijohn branch in Edinburgh in 2004.

He said at his Little Clarendon Street shop there has been a 50 per cent drop in sales since the Westgate opened.

But takings were 30 per cent up for the year in the run-up to the centre opening.

Mr Ferguson said: "Since the centre opened there has been a 50 per cent drop in sales.

"Little Clarendon Street is a fantastic place, a great mix of independents and restaurants.

"We knew this was coming but we never thought it would be this bad.

"We want to say to customers 'please do shop local', because if you don't you will lose us.

"The crux of this is that everyone wants a mix of independents and high street retailers but the opening of the Westgate Centre has put real pressure on independent traders – it's like a seismic chopper coming down and we are all vulnerable.

"If shoppers do not use the independents in places like Little Clarendon Street they will really miss them when they go."

Mr Ferguson said the Westgate Centre was 'impressive' in terms of its architecture but added he was hoping that shoppers would soon return to 'quirky independents'.

He said: "This is a real shame because Little Clarendon Street had turned around for the better."

Demijohn, which also has stores in York and Glasgow, is a European-style liquid deli.

It sources and sells artisan spirits, liqueurs, oils, vinegars and whiskies, which are predominantly made in the UK by small producers.

From Scotland comes Organic Rhubarb Vodka, Raspberry Vodka, Gooseberry Gin, and fruit vinegars, such as Elderflower Vinegar and Bramble Vinegar.

The store also sells Seville Orange Gin from Worcestershire, Sloe Gin and Apricot Brandy.

Restaurants in Cowley Road have also reported a reduction in footfall and turnover since the reopening of the Westgate Centre, where more than 20 new restaurants are based, including some on a rooftop terrace.

Clinton Pugh, who runs Cafe Coco and Kazbar restaurants, has appealed to diners to choose independent restaurants after experiencing a reduction in turnover since the centre opened.