THINGS are looking brighter for what has been described as Oxford’s “forgotten estate” after a second cash windfall to improve life for residents.

Rose Hill has been handed £361,714 by the Big Lottery Fund to fund a series of projects over the next five years.

The grant comes less than two months after the estate received more than £500,000 from Oxford City Council.

Last night people in Rose Hill said the money was “another brilliant step forward” – and said it showed the area was no longer the “forgotten estate”.

The latest cash, given to Oxford Citizens’ Housing Association (OCHA), will fund a volunteer training programme and support for four projects – Rose Hill Junior Youth Club, estate paper Rose Hill News, a cultural food programme and a new health initiative.

Rose Hill community worker Fran Gardner, who edits Rose Hill News, spoke of her delight. She said: “It’s wonderful to know that vital projects including the recently-launched junior youth club, the community newspaper, and the food programme are all now secure.

“This funding means we will also be able to offer a fantastic range of training opportunities for local people during the project.”

In April the Oxford Mail reported how a series of recent building developments in Rose Hill meant £500,000 was available for community projects.

The cash will be used to refurbish the community centre, provide more sports facilities and install art.

Those working on the estate hope the latest grant will allow them to do even more for people living there.

Wendy Spray, from OCHA, said: “This really is fantastic news for Rose Hill.

“It will mean that the exciting work that OCHA has started to do with residents, to make Rose Hill a really good place to live, will now be able to continue, and during the next five years can go from strength to strength.”

Long-time Rose Hill resident Bill Buckingham, 89, from Court Farm Road, said the estate was continuing to evolve.

He said: “This is another brilliant step forward.

“For a long time we thought Rose Hill was the forgotten estate because all the money seemed to go to Blackbird Leys, but I don’t think that’s the case anymore. We’ve received almost £900,000 in two months.

“Rose Hill has changed so much over the years and it is very nice to see how well it is doing.”

Lottery spokesman Fiona Dempsie said: “This is an excellent example of how we are helping local organisations.”

dhearn@oxfordmail.co.uk