COMMUNITY cafes and creative workshops are among the things people in South Oxford would like to see in St Luke’s Church.

Throughout July and August a team of volunteers from the church, in Canning Crescent, went door-to-door asking people about their views on the area and what activities they would like to be held in the church, which is in the final stages of a revamp.

The team, led by the Rev Jane Sherwood, knocked on about 400 doors and received 58 completed questionnaires.

Ms Sherwood said: “We had an overwhelmingly positive response from those we interviewed.

“Most people were positive about the area they lived in.”

Once the £500,000 development project at the church is complete it is planned to extend the activities currently on offer – which include clubs for children, drop-in sessions and baby and toddler groups.

The most popular suggestion was for a community cafe, with 62 per cent of people who responded saying they would be interested, while 60 per cent were keen to see creative workshops.

Suggestions varied from acrylic painting to cake decorating and dress making.

Training courses, particularly in IT or driving, were also highlighted by a number of people, while others wanted to see yoga, pilates or zumba.

Ms Sherwood said: “We hope to implement some of the ideas generating the most interest next year when back in the building.

“We have concluded that initially it would be good to think about starting a community cafe in the new St Luke’s, and perhaps use this as an opportunity for taster sessions.

“We will be thinking through the other ideas, such as training opportunities, during our first year back in the building.”

As well as coming up with ideas for possible activities in the new building, nearly half of those questioned said they would like to help in some way.

Specialist knowledge offered ranged from things such as adult numeracy courses, bike maintenance courses, photography, flower arranging, Indian dance and Asian cooking, to general offers of support.

The revamp is expected to be completed next month and the church is in the process of raising a target of £50,000 to fit out the building and run activities from it.