Children on an Oxford estate will be able to enjoy a kick-about with their local bobby this summer, as police trial a new community project.

The Barton Neighbourhood police team have decided to run football games during the school holidays as a way of tackling antisocial behaviour.

They have teamed up with Bayards Hill Primary School, which will open up its playing fields.

Pcso Nigel Pearce and Pc Chloe Sutton, who will be running the project, said they struck upon the idea after receiving a number of complaints about street football on the estate.

Pcso Pearce said: “The initial idea came from Chloe after numerous call-outs.

“After consultation with the public and the headmaster of Bayards Hill school, the neighbourhood team decided to try a regulated opening of the fields.

“The idea is to give the kids somewhere safe to play and get to know the police team better.”

Pc Sutton said a lot of the children were already on first name terms with their officers.

She said: “The headteacher of the school has now very kindly offered us the use of the playing fields, so the youngsters can play games such as football away from the streets, particularly around Waynflete Road.”

The school fields will be open between 6pm and 8pm from Wednesday, July 27 to Friday, August 5, and between 3pm and 5pm between Saturday, August 6 and Tuesday, August 9, then at various times for the rest of the holidays.

Police in Barton have carried out a number of successful community projects recently and have noticed a drop in crime on the estate.

In the past year, there have been 367 crimes reported in the neighbourhood, compared with 475 the previous year and 514 the year before.

For years residents have complained of youngsters riding mini-mopeds on the streets, pavements, and nearby fields. But in May neighbourhood officers teamed up with youth charity Toolbox to set up a club for young people who want to take up riding.

Bayards Hill headteacher Keith Ponsford said he thought the football sessions were a “smashing idea”.

WHAT'S ON OFFER Oxford City Council are promising plenty of summer fun.

They have teamed up with various groups to provide lots of activities to keep the city’s youngsters happy.

Football, basketball, dance, DJ-ing and theatre activities are just some of the pastimes on offer.

Councillor Antonia Bance, executive member for stronger communities, said: “I am pleased Oxford City Council has again awarded funds for these activities to take place.

“Without them, many children and young people would have very little to do during the long holidays.”

Some of the providers include Pegasus Theatre, ABC Summer Fun, Oxford Active, and Dovecote Parent’s Committee. Most are free but for some there is a minimal charge.