THE first phase of a revamp at community action group Bicester Green has been completed, giving its outside a fresh new look.

The recycle and upcycle community group, off Launton Road, was given the chance to upgrade its entrance and car park thanks to Graven Hill lead contractors Careys Civil Engineering.

The company, which is the principal contractor for the UK’s biggest self-build site in south west Bicester, offered up its services as part of a push to help out local projects.

Bicester Green moved to its new site last year.

It is made up of three converted 40ft containers near the Garth, on land owned by Bicester Town Council.

Council operations manager, Chris Johnson, said: “The surface was well overdue some improvements and with the generous support of Carey’s we have lifted the area up to normal operating standards.

“The area is now not only fit for purpose but visibly offers a safe and attractive place to visit.”

The yard makes up a central focus point for the Bicester Green base and was transformed by Carey Civil Engineering, which resurfaced the entire area and added a ramp with rails on each side to the entrance for better disabled access.

Painted parking spaces have also been introduced and keep clear zones to help with large vehicles turning and dropping off heavy loads to the site.

Careys Civil Engineering project manager, Kieran Dolan, said: “The works would not have been possible without the support from our surfacing partner, which provided its plant and labour free of charge.

"Thank you to Toppesfield for helping make this happen.”

The revamp is a boost for the action group after it was struck by vandals late last year, with several windows smashed and the till stolen from inside.

Bicester Green trustee, Lewis Knight, said: “We were delighted when Careys approached us to explore how they could help us improve our presence within the Bicester Community.

“Now the work has been completed, and to such a good standard, we are thrilled with the new appearance the yard has provided.

“The work also came at an important time for Bicester Green, following the burglary and vandalism.

“When spirits were a little down, this has given everyone at Bicester Green a very welcome lift and boost of enthusiasm.”

The group has since been fundraising for £2,000 to replace and repair parts of the site which vandals destroyed.

The car park revamp comes ahead of plans to restore and repair the group’s base and improve its safety with better CCTV.

To donate to Bicester Green go online to justgiving.com/crowdfunding/bicestergreen