Four youth workers are being sought to put an end to the lack of services for young people in an Oxford suburb.

Littlemore, described by city councillor John Tanner as the city’s “forgotten ward” with regards to youth facilities, will soon be able to boast a youth club and holiday play schemes for younger children.

At a public meeting to discuss the issue on Monday, residents were told adverts had been placed to find new youth workers to oversee the services.

Mr Tanner, who represents Littlemore ward, said:“We had a well-attended meeting on Monday evening with representatives from Oxfordshire County Council, street wardens and local people.

“We are now advertising for a play leader and an assistant play worker for the play schemes to run next Easter and in the summer.

“The county council is also advertising for a youth leader and an assistant to work in the youth club in the village hall, which will open in the new year.

“We’ve got the money and the support of the local councils and parish council.

“At long last the young people of Littlemore will get the services they deserve.”

The play schemes are expected to run for a total of five weeks across the Easter and summer holidays at John Henry Newman School, in Grange Road, while the youth club is likely to be operated every Monday.

A street-sports site is also planned for Littlemore, with land in Herschel Crescent, which is rented by the parish council, one of the possible locations.

Mr Tanner said he hoped funding would come from a combination of fees paid by parents to enrol their children on the play schemes, money from last year’s Lord Mayor’s Fund — during which time he was mayor — and from Oxfordshire County Council.

He added: “We conducted a survey where we went door to door, and that proved very encouraging.

“We found 39 houses where there were young people. Twenty-five of these said they would definitely want to come to play schemes — and nine said they would definitely use the youth club.

“It is a good beginning, but there is still more to do. We will be continuing to survey people within Littlemore.”

Andrew Bevan, the minister at Littlemore Baptist Church, said: “It is encouraging. I think there are occasions when the community generally feel there is not much provision for children and young people.

“We went door to door on Saturday and there was support for what is happening.”

Anyone who wants to apply for any of the positions should email john.tanner@tanox.demon.co.uk