Work has begun on upgrading a struggling supermarket following a successful campaign directed at the company’s top executive.

Concerns had been growing about the deteriorating condition of the Sainsbury’s branch at Pioneer Square Bure Place.

Donna Ford, an independent councillor for Bicester East, launched the campaign, gathering more than 200 names and calling on Chief Executive Simon Roberts to inspect the premises.

Sainsbury’s, as the leaseholder, has now introduced a regular cleaning schedule with frequent inspections and intensive cleans, with Cherwell District Council officers monitoring progress daily.

Improvements include comprehensive pavement cleaning, washing down external glass and stonework, and fixing bollards to stop vehicles accessing pedestrian zones.

Cherwell District Council has indicated it is pleased with the better dialogue and action taken.

The authority revealed it will accelerate proposals for fresh seating facilities, alongside art installations along the route between Sheep Street and Pioneer Square.

According to a council representative, providing Bicester residents and visitors with a clean and appealing public environment has consistently been the council’s primary concern, and they can assure residents that they will be monitoring the cleaning schedule and public space enhancements closely over the coming weeks and months.

The leaseholder has already started lift maintenance work and will shortly commence repainting the stairwell. The company is also exploring a scheme for better lighting.

According to a Sainsbury’s spokesperson, the company regards cleanliness and store hygiene with the utmost importance and remains attentive to local residents’ worries about the state of the surroundings near their Bicester store.