AN AUTUMN walkabout of an estate "blessed" with green spaces has spurred councillors into action as it emerged there is plenty of work to do.

On October 10, representatives of the Leys on the parish, city and county councils stepped out to tour the parks of Greater Leys and find out more about local issues.

A raft of ideas to improve Gillian's Park, Spindleberry Nature Reserve and Fry's Hill emerged but local people are also being called on to keep their shared spaces thriving.

Oxford city councillor Linda Smith said one of the first things the group encountered was broken glass in the children's play area of Gillian's Park.

She said: "This is obviously an urgent health and safety concern so we arranged for this to be cleared immediately.

"Signs in Gillian's park which were great when they went in are now looking shabby and we hope the parish council will consider funding their replacement.

"Some of the bins and dog mess bins at the entrance to the park were also looking ready for replacement."

Gillian's Park was also named a potential site for further tree planting.

Oxford City Council's new tree policy, which states that one tree must be planted for each one felled, was agreed by the City Executive Board last week.

Pinch points on the gates to Fry's Hill, the site of the estate's "fantastic" skate bowl and multi-use games area (MUGA), were also pointed out as an issue as they pose an obstacle to mobility scooters, wheelchairs and larger buggies and prams.

Ms Smith said they "ideally should be removed", adding: "We will work to achieve this, mindful of the fact that we don't want to encourage motorbikes back."

Gordon Roper, chairman of Blackbird Leys Parish Council, said the signs in Gillian's Park were a priority as some of the information and phone numbers on them was out of date, as well as the possible refurbishment of its three play areas.

He added: "It was a very enjoyable walk and did everyone a bit of good.

"We have three quite large parks up there; in housing estates anywhere in the country where else have they got that? And they are well-used.

"The council can only go so far to maintain them. These places belong to the residents and it's up to them to look after them as well."