A|long-awaited new life is at last to be breathed into Oxford’s network of parks.

The battle to return them into a vital part of life in the city has been a long one, with several twists and turns.

At one stage selective closure was to be the order of the day but, thankfully, local politicians have grasped the nettle and vowed to spend £2.5m. It will be money well spent.

And the relief is strongest in some of the poorest areas of the city, on estates where outdoor space is at a premium.

Work starts in earnest next spring and top of the list for renovation are those classed as being in the most urgent need.

One of the most important criteria being used is the number of children under 15 living in the neighbourhood.

And it goes without saying that in many estate neighbourhoods play areas for children are so valuable because of the small space available in back gardens.

Residents in the forefront of the fight to save their local parks are delighted that the investment is now under way in a programme phased over the next two years.

The revamp should be welcomed all round. It is a necessary reversal of a sad decline in an important public amenity, returning our parks to what they were meant to be, green open spaces where people can meet.

And it also makes sense in an age when the emphasis is on regular exercise and staying healthy.

Childhood obesity has become a national worry.

Places where youngsters can run around and play games within easy walking distance of their own homes are as necessary as any amount of talk about the right diet for them.