Roadworks in Bicester are said to be causing significant delays to motorists.

Work on a scheme to install bus stops along Oxford Road, widen the busy B4030 Middleton Stoney junction, widen part of the northbound A41 dual carriageway, and create a third lane on the southbound A41 carriageway, has already caused lengthy tailbacks.

The work is being carried out by Fitzpatrick Construction on behalf of Bicester Village retail outlet.

But the scheme is said to be affecting local businesses. One of them, Gary Davies, manager of the Acorn pub, Pingle Drive, said: "Takings are already down a few hundred pounds a day.

"Once people get through the traffic lights they can't be bothered to stop here. And my customers do not want to sit in the garden because of the lorries driving past."

The work, which is part of a legal agreement that Bicester Village is obliged to pay for, started on July 8 and is due to last up to 10 weeks - September 18.

Pam Pitchforth, of Steeple Claydon, said: "With the school summer holidays, there will be a lot more people in town. We will have to choose the time we come to Bicester more wisely."

Julia Applewhaite, of Primrose Drive, Bicester, who shops at Tesco in Pingle Drive, said: "It will take me a lot longer to get home. It is very frustrating."

Site manager Derek Faireweather said: "We have said the work could last up to 10 weeks - but that is the worst-case scenario.

"Doing the work separately would not make a lot of difference. This way we get it over and done with in one go."

Bicester Village spokesman Miranda Markham said: "The Bicester improvement works are an obligation under the planning permission for the recent expansion of Bicester Village.

"Short-term disruption is regrettable, but hopefully the benefits in the long term will make it worthwhile. The improvements are long outstanding."