Television celebrity Anne Diamond has warned that Summertown is fast becoming the hub of Oxford because the transport strategy is driving shoppers out of the city centre.

Ms Diamond made her comments after awarding prizes to young artists who entered a drawing competition to mark the opening of Shepherd and Woodward's newly refurbished school uniform store in Banbury Road, Summertown.

Anne Diamond with the young artists

The television presenter, who lives at Cuddesdon with her four sons because of the reputation of schools in the area, said: "I personally think that closing the High Street to traffic is a disaster.

"Summertown is proving the point that if you keep the traffic going and do not treat it as if it is an enemy then businesses will thrive. Park-and-ride is not always practical when you have got four children and shopping in tow."

She also praised the Summertown carnival initiative and described the atmosphere in the shopping area on Saturday as "terrific".

Banbury Road came alive as musicians, dancers and street artists entertained shoppers to launch the county's Artweeks festival.

The carnival, which is now in its second year, was organised by a committee of artists from Summertown and was sponsored by the Mogford group.

Jenny Holmes, from the Craft studio in Banbury Road and is a member of the carnival's organising committee, said: "We are the only area in the city that has a carnival and really goes to town to launch art week."

European folk music was performed by professional group Muscadin and the N'goma Kembo drum group brought the rhythms of the Congo to Summertown's streets. Spectators were entertained with martial arts dancing by Grupo Abolicao.

Homes and studios of more than 20 Summertown artists are now open to the public until May 20. Leaflets with maps showing where the homes are and listing the types of artwork are available from libraries.