AN Oxford Brookes student has launched a website to shed new light on the people who live and work in Cowley Road.

Euan Booth, 27, from East Oxford is sharing interviews that he has conducted with shop owners and organisations in and around Cowley Road in an attempt to put the area on the map.

He said: “My website, The People’s Guide To Cowley Road, is a signpost for anyone interested in the people who live here.

“When I returned from studying abroad in America last month, I realised how much I missed the area and how misrepresented it is.

“People often think of the Cowley Road as a gritty place, but I want to show its positive side.

“I definitely think it’s the most diverse area in Oxford and hopefully the website will encourage more people to get involved with the various community groups and events going on.”

Interviewees so far include Truck Store, The Fibreworks Oxford, Quarterhorse Coffee, The Library pub, The People’s Supermarket and mental health charity, Restore.

Mr Booth plans to later make a fold-out map to give to students at Oxford Brookes, tourists and anyone else interested in finding out more about the area.

The map will include fact-files on a selection of venues, shops, community centres and more, with related pictures, interviews and links to webpages.

The second year student nurse started building the website in early June.

He said: “I’ve found some fascinating information. I didn’t know about Restore until I started this project. The work they do there is great and the people work so hard.”

He hopes to interview Fred’s Discount Store, which has been in the Cowley Road since the 1970s, and different religious groups over the coming months, such as the Cowley Road Methodist Church Centre.

Mr Booth has received help from friends, including Cat Watson for the online illustrations and Kaye McDougall, 23, to help edit the website.

Miss McDougall, from Cowley, said: “People might think they have an idea about the Cowley Road, but unless you really live here so much of what happens can go under the radar.

“I was excited to get involved with the site, not only as a writer, but as someone who has fallen in love with the area over the past five years.”

Matt Chapman, 25, assistant manager at Truck Store, where Mr Booth works part-time, said: “I think it’s fantastic that Euan is taking a more personal approach than general city guides.

“He has the time to chat to people and hear their stories. It will be a good resource for everyone.

Read up on The Library

  • What: The Library, an independent pub, pictured right.
  • Where: 182 Cowley Road.
  • Founded: July 22 2011.
  • Open: 4pm until 12pm, Monday to Sunday.
  • Owners: Tom Reynolds and Henry Cullen, 26, who said: “It was nice to contribute to something about East Oxford. It will help both people who live in the area and people who don’t.”
  • EUAN’S VERDICT: “I think The Library is the most friendly pub on the road - I always feel welcome.”

Take a look at the website: thepeopleofcowley.wordpress.com