A GROUP that runs free computing courses in Blackbird Leys is once again up and running after being out of action for almost a year.

Staff at Leys Information Technology Zone (Litz) have put months of trouble behind them and are accepting more students than ever. Since reopening in December the group has run seven new courses and opened its doors to more than 50 new students.

Director Nick Tills said: “We were in a right old state, but after a fairly slow start things have really kicked off.”

The group runs courses for the elderly and people who have never used a computer, as well as more advanced courses.

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On top of its non-accredited courses the group’s teachers help students get Ofqual (The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation) accredited computing qualifications.

Mr Tills said: “We’re running courses for complete beginners in computers, for novices and improvers. As well as that we’re running a long course with Oxford Brookes University.”

In April last year the group’s rent agreement on the computer hub at the Blackbird Leys Community Centre came to an end.

Instead of Litz paying £2,500 a year for the room, Oxford City Council brought in an hourly rent system to allow other groups to use the space.

This led to months of negotiations – after Litz claimed the move would triple its overheads – before it was agreed the group could rent the room for £7.50 for a three-hour period. But when the computer hub reopened in June, after a £21,750 refurbishment, the group did not return because computers were not set up for long-term courses.

Mr Tills said: “There have been a few issues with the computers but we are resolving them.”

Now the group has five sessions a week in the hub.

Mr Tills said: “This really is a new start for us.

“Blackbird Leys is a recognised area of deprivation and there’s a genuine need for facilities like ours that are free or low cost.”

Now the group is back in business, it is paid £100 per student by Oxfordshire County Council. And it can once again access its funding from Blackbird Leys Parish Council.

Last summer the council gave Litz £1,250, but so far the group has only used £240 of it. Mr Tills said: “We need the money to pay our rent for the office and computer room.”