Residents in East Oxford are being urged to join forces to give the area a much stronger voice.

A new forum is being planned that will represent all groups in the area in tackling issues such as antisocial behaviour and protecting heritage and green space.

Once established, the East Oxford Residents’ Associations’ Forum also hopes to encourage new groups to form in areas where there is little or no representation.

About 20 associations and groups have been approached about joining, and a number of planning meetings have already been held.

Elizabeth Mills, chairman of the Divinity Road Area Residents’ Association, is leading the project.

She said the main aim was to strengthen the collective voice of residents when dealing with issues that affect the entire area.

“We are now calling on all residents’ groups to join us,” she added.

“If we send a letter to the local authority or the universities, it will be treated with greater level of weight.”

So far, about ten groups have met to discuss the role of the forum, which will be officially launched in the autumn.

Mrs Mills said they had already found common ground.

She said: “Without exception, the groups are against the use of green space at Manzil Way as a builder’s yard (during the development of new student accommodation). I have been tasked with writing to the council stressing this point.”

Mrs Mills said the forum would meet quarterly to discuss matters of mutual concern and issues related to houses of multiple occupation (HMOs).

Protecting the area’s green spaces will also be high on the forum’s agenda.

Fairacres Road Residents’ Association is one of the groups already involved.

Chairman Selma Martin said it would allow associations to pool resources, expertise and knowledge.

She said: “Getting together we hope will provide a platform to influence and change decisions made by councils and other bodies.

“In my view, where areas have problems they are common across East Oxford, to a greater or lesser degree.

“Through the forum, we can present a unified front to the council or whoever and show we have support on these issues and we are not a lone voice in the wilderness.”

For more information, email Mrs Mills at elizabeth@eminence-grise.co.uk