A MULTI-MILLION pound facelift of Oxford’s Leys estates must concentrate on tackling antisocial behaviour and sorting out parking problems.

That is the view of residents who attended the latest Leys regeneration community event.

Initial design proposals have emerged from four walk-in sessions with blueprints for Minchery Farm, Spindleberry Park and the central area sketched out.

Now the Prince’s Foundation charity will hold talks with local community groups to determine how money from the city council will be spent.

Improvements to Spindleberry Park including new facilities are expected.

City council countryside ranger Carl Whitehead said the park had come a long way since its days as a toxic waste site but more needed to be done to make it as a “proud corridor to the Green Belt”.

He said: “My colleagues have done some fantastic work here since about 1985 when it was a real dumping ground.”

Mr Whitehead added: “What we hope to do next year is clear out some of the dead greenery and help the trees mature, and remove some of the corners as it stops people congregating and stops antisocial behaviour.”

Fiona Piercy, partnerships and regeneration manager at Oxford City Council and Oxfordshire County Council, said: “The regeneration of the Leys is a key priority for Oxford City Council but we need guidance from the local community to ensure these plans are in line with what people want.”

The council has also promised to immediately address long-term match day parking problems.

THE WISHLIST

THE top five residents’ suggestions that came out of the workshops:

  • Improvements to Spindleberry Park with better access to the brook for recreational use and safer pedestrian routes.
  • Revitalised village centre with mixed uses including new homes, commercial and retail space, and affordable space for new business start-ups to rent.
  • Improved links between Blackbird Leys and Greater Leys.
  • Economic projects to help build skills and raise aspirations.
  • Sort out parking problems and tidy up open spaces especially where there has been fly-tipping.