Oxford's three scout districts are being merged into one in a move to streamline the local organisation.

The movement's Headington, Isis and Cowley districts will be joined from the beginning of next month and re-named the Oxford Spires District.

It will be headed by new commissioner, Mrs Margaret Jarvis, and will look after the beavers, scouts and venture scouts in the city.

Mr Tim Lambertstock, the present commissioner of the Headington district, said that the move was good news for the organisation.

He said: "We looked at a range of options and are looking at this decision very positively. It was a painful one to take because Oxford used to be one district but was able to expand to three. Now it is back to one.

"The three districts were not able to support the groups as well as we would like.

"One big district will provide better support for the city's groups and from a management point of view it will be easier to find a strong team."

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