JUST a few years ago, Oxford’s tower blocks looked destined for demolition.

And while it is true that, perhaps, they are not the most aesthetically pleasing buildings in the city, to many people they are home, and to many more they are symbols of the areas they live.

Inside, many of the flats have stunning views to rival even the most traditional of Oxford vistas.

And with a squeeze on housing in the city, plans to refurbish the tower blocks rather than knock them down is welcome news.

A revamp of the outside will include new windows and better energy-saving measures.

It’s well proven how small changes can help people take pride in their area.

So the effects of this £8m facelift is likely to have a bigger impact than it first appears.

What a great boost for residents.