FAMILIES are celebrating after learning an overgrown riverside plot in East Oxford will soon be given new lease of life.

Aston’s Eyot, a beauty spot at the bottom of Jackdaw Lane on the banks of the River Thames, has been gradually “suffocated” by brambles, burdock and Japanese knotweed since Oxford City Council ended its maintenance programme six years ago.

The 33-acre triangular space – a former Victorian rubbish dump – had been a haven for residents of East Oxford.

People had used the space for picnics, dog walks, rambling, jogging and cycling for decades.

The council leases the land from owners Christ Church College for a peppercorn rent and, following 17 months of negotiation, has agreed to take on the upkeep once more.

City councillor Nuala Young, who has been leading the negotiations, said: “It was very much used and appreciated by local people. In East Oxford we have lots of densely packed terraced housing with small gardens and what makes quality of life better is the access to lovely natural green spaces.

“We found that the paths were getting overgrown with burdock and the dogs were getting covered in burrs. There were stinging nettles and people couldn’t even get through the paths, so residents asked the East Area parliament do to something about it.

“We agreed to do something because we thought it was important and residents needed it.”

Rambler Pamela Webber, 64, of Bullingdon Road, East Oxford, said: “It’s an absolutely amazing place, but I’m concerned about the Japanese knotweed, which could obliterate the whole lot. It’s a very invasive weed.”

Councillors hope the first stage of clearance will take place before Christmas.

City councillor Elise Benjamin said: “The first stage will be for the council to develop a management plan.

“It will mean that there is more public access to the land. It will extend the area of land along the Thames which will be accessible to residents and provide more green space.

“Residents were saying it’s a shame it couldn’t be better used and that it was there for nothing.”

A city council spokesman said: “We are pleased to reach an agreement with Christ Church to support the maintenance of this area of valued open space for the local community.

“We will be cutting the grass and cutting back shrubs and hedges to ensure that people can access and enjoy this space."

No one from Christ Church College was available to comment.