Neon lights are out as Pizza Hut frontage upsets Oxford

♦ Pizza Hut has said Oxford council is putting “gown before town” after it rejected proposals for a new neon lit frontage in order to protect the city’s heritage.

The restaurant chain wanted to redevelop the signage on its outlet in the high street to make it more modern and vibrant.

But Oxford City Council accused Pizza Hut of trying to “push boundaries” and said it was “absolutely crucial” to protect the area’s heritage.

A spokesman for Pizza Hut said: “The conservation area overview reminds us that while Oxford is exceptional in its colleges and general architectural quality, it is also a major regional commercial centre.

“It confirms the high street belongs to town rather than gown and that it is central to a vigorous commercial shopping centre.”

Pizza Hut has put forward a fresh proposal with the lighting removed.