People living on an Oxford estate believe drug use and antisocial behaviour have reduced since police launched a new community initiative last year.

A survey of 100 Barton residents found the majority felt levels of drug use and antisocial behaviour had decreased in the six months following the creation of a Neighbourhood Action Group in June.

The group is made up of representatives from different sections of the community, including city council housing officers.

Youth groups and members of the Barton Community Development Project were also brought in to identify residents' most pressing concerns to ensure police resources were directed at them.

Drug dealing and drug use, antisocial use of motorcycles and mini-mopeds, as well as antisocial behaviour at Underhill Circus, were identified as the three biggest problems following the first NAG meeting last June.

The survey showed more than half (54 per cent) of those quizzed thought there had been a reduction in the antisocial use of mini-motorbikes and motorcycles against seven per cent who felt the problem had increased.

Meanwhile, a total of 42 per cent of people said drug dealing on the estate had decreased as opposed to 17 per cent who thought the problem had increased.

For both issues, about one third of people (33 per cent and 30 per cent respectively) said they felt levels had remained the same since the NAG was established.

Underhill Circus was said to remain a magnet for antisocial behaviour and drug use - although the majority thought things had improved since the NAG began.

Resident Sue Holden has lived on the estate for more than 30 years and is a member of the NAG.

She said: "What is being done shows there has been a big improvement, but there is still room for more to be done.

"The message is - keep up the good work. We don't want to see things slip back to how they used to be."

People being drunk or rowdy in public places is still seen as a major problem in Barton and 36 per cent of people felt it had got worse during the last six months while only eight per cent of people thought it had got better.

Mrs Holden said: "Alcohol problems are something that I think will be a priority for the next six months."

Sgt Yak Taladia, of the Barton neighbourhood police team, said every household in Risinghurst had been leafleted about the laws surrounding mini-motorbikes.

He said more bikes were being seized as a result of police action.

He added: "The survey shows people are happier and more satisfied with the level of crime and feel much safer.

"More drug warrants have been issued and we have taken a positive and robust approach.

"We also have high visibility patrols, and stop searches around the area have been stepped up.

Anyone with information about criminal behaviour can call the Barton neighbourhood police team on 08458 505505.