A programme to improve security and tackle crime on shopping parades in Blackbird Leys, Cowley and Wood Farm has been an- nounced.

In August, Oxford City Council received a £100,000 Home Office grant to protect local shops.

After consulting local retailers, the council has agreed the first round of initiatives to prevent retail crime, including shutters to be installed at 14 shops in Blackbird Leys, Wood Farm and Hollow Way, Cowley, and a Shop Watch radio system for Blackbird Leys and Greater Leys.

The radio system will allow shopkeepers to warn each other of possible dangers or shoplifters.

Later, the radios will be linked to the Street Wardens radio network.

The wardens are due to begin patrolling Rose Hill, Littlemore, Blackbird Leys and Northfield Brook early next year.

In Wood Farm, the council is building a youth shelter, with sports equipment, to discourage young people from loitering outside the shops.

The council's executive member for crime and community safety, Susan Brown, said: "The council is serious about tackling crime and this first round of work will see shops in Oxford, who have suffered from crime and vandalism, benefit from security measures they couldn't otherwise afford.

"The council believes that local shops play a vital role in creating healthy local economies in Oxford and improving security will benefit not only local businesses, but the whole community."