RESIDENTS in Evenlode Tower are starting to see the long-awaited project to give Oxford's five towers a new lease of life begin.

Contractors Willmott Dixon have set up scaffolding, mast climbers and fencing around the entrances to the site in Blackbird Leys Road.

The project was due to start in earnest in January but was delayed to March 8, with over-cladding and roof work first on the agenda before internal modifications in the flats.

Resident Walter Campbell, 84, said: "The scaffolding is up but we don't know what's happening yet as such. They are ready to start."

The project is likely to extend the life of Evenlode, Windrush, Hockmore, Plowman and Foresters towers by at least 30 years, with works including structural repairs, new external windows and doors, cladding, improvements to fire safety and electrics and better ventilation and sprinkler systems inside the flats.

Work on each tower is expected to run for 52 weeks, with Windrush Tower in Knights Road due to start undergoing renovations in May.

A report recently seen by the council's housing panel said: "The delivery programme has been refined to reflect contractor resources and manage disruption to residents.

"WDES have dedicated community support officers (CSOs) at each tower who will be the contact for all residents of that tower and manage access arrangements, resident queries and co-ordination."