OXFORD'S Covered Market has been given a boost with the arrival of the popular 'Souvlaki Brothers' - but another long-term trader is walking away.

After serving up street food at festivals and markets, father-of-one Panny Skrivanos, 36, and his brother Yan Skrivanos, 31, are bringing their unique Greek flavour to a new permanent stall.

Market traders have welcomed the arrival of a new food business following a series of departures, including Haymans fishmongers.

But another long-term feature of the market, the newsagent, is expected to close in August.

Mr Skrivanos said: "We are delighted to be opening at the Covered Market and we hope our presence will help to boost footfall.

"There's definitely a demand for souvlakis - we know that from the past two years.

"The Covered Market is a tourist destination and tourists are always hungry."

Souvlaki ingredients include chargrilled pork, lemon chicken, beef meatballs and grilled halloumi on pitta bread.

Mr Skrivanos said the business was founded in 2015 as he and his brother wanted to revisit food experienced on childhood holidays when they visited family on the island of Chios near Lesbos.

He said: "This hugely exciting step for our business – a little corner of Greece in the heart of historic Oxford."

Sandie Griffith, secretary of the Covered Market Tenants' Association, welcomed the Souvlaki Brothers., who replace Fasta Pasta.

She added: "There have been a number of departures so it's nice to see a new business taking up one of the empty units.

"The Souvlaki Brothers have a huge following so they should bring in lots of customers."

While Greek food will be arriving at the historic market, newsagent Tim Gresswell is preparing to leave after about 30 years.

He said he would not be renewing the lease for his Market News stall, close to the Market Street entrance, and expected to shut in August.

Mr Gresswell, 63, who has also run Tim's newsagent in High Street since 2000, said: "The council hired consultants who recommended a major revamp but it did not go ahead.

"My lease runs out at the end of August and I won't be renewing it.

"Footfall is down and the city council as landlord should make more of an effort to do something about it."

Last year the council pledged to invest £1.6m over four years in the Grade II listed building dating back to 1771, but traders said it was not enough and called for a radical re-think.

Councillors also point to 'significant spending' on electrics, drainage and roof improvements, as well as improvements to the toilets.

Cllr Mary Clarkson, board member for culture and city centre, said: "I was very sorry to hear that that a longstanding trader, who has been part of the Covered Market for so long, is leaving.

"But I want to emphasise that Oxford City Council is committed to ensuring that the Covered Market remains a vibrant commercial destination for visitors to the city.

"From this continued investment it is clear that Oxford City Council recognises the importance and historical significance of the Covered Market and is confident that it will continue to play a major part in the city’s vibrant retail offer for many years to come.

"Footfall across central Oxford is on the up and the council is working with the Covered Market Traders’ Association to improve marketing to bring even more visitors to the market."