Elderly residents have criticised Oxford City Council for allowing farmland next to their sheltered flats to become an eyesore.

Retired lecturer Brian Carrington, 74, looks after one section of a communal garden at Cumberlege House, Old Marston.

He has planted flowers and neatly mown the lawn to create a peaceful area for residents of the council-owned flats to relax in.

But next to it are large sections of neglected farmland, covered in weeds. Sheds have also been left to become derelict.

Residents also want council staff to maintain the garden which is part of the sheltered block.

Mr Carrington, who lives with his wife, Isobel, 74, said: "The sheds are dilapidated, they are not used.

"All the weeds grow into our area and it's a constant fight to maintain the garden.

"I was in touch with the council last June and officers came down here to look at it.

"For the remainder of the summer, I rang up at three-weekly intervals but not a thing was done. The frontage of this place needs tidying, but we have to fight and fight to get them to do that.

"The council treat sheltered housing as an easy option because most people are on housing benefit, but some of us pay rent. We pay £392 per month to live here."

Brian Lincoln, 58, a disabled resident of Cumberlege House, said: "The garden does need a lot of sorting out. People at this end can't manage the gardening."

A 77-year-old man, who asked not to be named, said: "The gardens are pretty poor and very badly maintained and the council could do more than they do."

Linden Sugden, 66, said: "The gardens here are a complete disaster."

Jill Jones, estates team leader for Oxford City Council, said: "While Oxford City Council does own the land in question, it is leased out to a neighbouring farm.

"Terms of lease include maintaining the ground up to boundary, and we will be pursuing tenants to carry out their obligations.

"We want the residents of Cumberlege Close to enjoy the areas of green space around their homes and will emphasise to the tenants who lease this piece of land that they must ensure the necessary work is carried out quickly and effectively."