A BICESTER pop-up shop owner has urged more independents to "brighten up" the town after opening her ladies' fashion shop permanently.

Paula Pym, a line dancing teacher, started her business from home two years ago and moved into the shop in Sheep Street in November last year.

She only planned to stay for two months but after her online-base of customers continued to flock to the shop she has undergone a name change and reopened as a permanent fixture.

She said: "Everyone seems to have loved it and I have enjoyed it so much.

"I have had such great support from my customers. It's been one of the best things I've ever done.

"The footfall past my shop is actually quite good as well."

Her Bags of Fashion UK shop opened at its permanent base last Thursday, renamed Paula Jane Boutique to show its not just selling handbags and reflecting her promise to stick around permanently.

The mother-of-two, who has lived in Bicester all her life, hoped it would encourage more independent shops to open in the town, which she said needed bringing back to life.

She said: "I don't think people are coming to the area as much, there's not a lot for them any more.

"You used to be able to buy anything. There was an ironmongers, a gardening store and many independent shops.

"We need more of them and also free parking, which has worked well in Witney."

She added: "It's all about making it as easy as possible for people to shop and giving them something to come into the area for."

Over the past few months several shops have closed down in Bicester's high street including Blue Inc, Edinburgh Woollen Mill, SH Jones Wines and long-standing fixture of more than 60 years Henry's of Bicester.

Paula Jane Boutique bucks the trend. It opens from 11am-7pm.

Ms Pym added: "I would just like to add a thank you to Trevor Prestidge at Dynamic Designs Oxford. Both my shop's signs old and new have been done by them and they are such a lovely company."