RESIDENTS in Cowley have been urged to sign up to a new online discussion forum which could cover anything from street crime to church fairs.

It is planned to launch the Cowley online discussion forum through the website e-democracy.

About 50 people, including police officers, councillors, council officers and people involved in residents' and community groups, have put their names forward.

But another 20 people need to sign up before the forum can be launched.

Shey Cobley, online communications officer for Oxford City Council, said the forums would allow people to discuss issues that are relevant to their areas.

There are already forums for Headington and one covering the central, south and west of the city.

She said: "We have had everything from quite contentious issues being discussed to more light-hearted things, like nice walks in the area."

She said there has been community interest in Cowley for a forum to be set up - and said the aim was to have ones covering every area of the city.

The forum would be monitored and if someone raises an issue which the city council has power over, councillors could get in touch.

Bob Timbs, a Lye Valley ward councillor, said: "If people have got problems in their roads, councillors can read about it and answer back on this website."

Rebecca Harty, the council's community engagement project officer, added: "It is an opportunity for people to talk about issues of interest."

If you want to join, email rharty@oxford.gov.uk with your first name, surname, and the email address you want added to the list.