A FAMILY park in the heart of East Oxford is being used by prostitutes again, it is feared.

Cowley police found condoms in an area behind the pavilion in Cowley Marsh Park, off Marsh Road.

But they said about two women are working the streets in Cowley compared to 10 at the height of the problem.

The park was a haunt for prostitutes working the Cowley Road, until police drove them out of the neighbourhood three years ago.

One of the area’s most prolific prostitutes was also banned from the area.

Pc Chrisy Cross, from the Cowley neighbourhood team, said officers had stepped up patrols and spoken to members of the public.

She said: “We have found some evidence of sexual activity while we were patrolling the area but we don’t have the number of women working in the area that we once had.

“We will continue to monitor this closely and respond proactively.”

Pc Cross said about two women now work the area’s streets regularly.

She added: “We know most of the girls, and if we see them we stop and have a chat, make sure they are okay, and try to give them some help and advice.”

Labour city councillor for Cowley Marsh Saj Malik said: “It looked to have been solved a few years ago, but now the numbers have begun to creep back up again.”

Mr Malik added: “I think perhaps fencing off the area behind the pavilion would deter people from going there.”

Nicola Harris, branded Oxford’s “most prolific” prostitute by police, was banned from selling sex on the streets and in her home for five years at Oxford Magistrates’ Court last August.

The drug addict worked seven days a week and took men to Cowley Marsh Park and Agnes Court, off Oxford Road, where police and residents would frequently find used condoms, magistrates were told.

The 33-year-old mother-of-one was given an Antisocial Behaviour Order which bans her from leaving her home in Costar Close, Littlemore, between 9pm and 7am.

The park has recently undergone a £20,000 revamp, with new play equipment installed.

Pc Cross urged anyone with information about sexual activity in the park to contact the neighbourhood team on 08458 505505.