A pot of cash is sitting in a council's coffers waiting to be spent on an Oxford estate.

About £45,000 has been earmarked for Blackbird Leys.

Now Blackbird Leys Parish Council, which has the money, has urged people from the estate to tell it exactly where it should be spent.

Parish council chairman Lee Cole said: "It's important for people to realise it's their money and a small group of people are discussing how to spend it.

"If you want a more democratic body you have got to have a larger group of people. We really need people to get involved - it's their money."

The council has called on shopkeepers, traders, heads of local organisations, and residents with a keen interest in improving the estate to join in and help spend the cash.

Mr Cole added: "I am sure a lot of people don't realise the parish council is here.

"There is a huge pot of money which needs to be reassigned to Blackbird Leys in an effective and positive way."

The cash can be spent on big projects such as keeping open six under-threat play areas or on smaller grants to local organ- isations.

In previous years money has been allocated to groups such as Leys Linx, Blackbird Leys Credit Union, Agnes Smith Advice Centre, the Pathway Workshop and The Dovecote.

Projects have included a Welcome to Blackbird Leys sign, floodlights in Blackbird Leys Park and regular funding for the annual Leys Fair.

Mr Cole took over at the parish council in May when chairman Brian Lester and deputy Bob Avery stepped down after 10 years at the helm.

There are currently eight vacancies on the council for people who live or work on the estate, or within two miles of its boundaries.

Mr Cole added: "This parish council is not a stuffy extension of the city council.

"We need to bring the parish council forward into this century and need to be lively and vibrant - and we need lively and vibrant people and their thoughts to do that."

There will be a public meeting on Tuesday at Blackbird Leys Community Centre from 7pm to discuss who should get the cash.

For more information on the meeting or to inquire about joining the parish council, contact 07886463580.