People living in dilapidated post-war housing on an Oxford estate have been given a glimpse of the new homes they will soon move into.

Rose Hill will see 254 new houses built over the next four years to replace the pre-fabricated 'Orlit' houses - which were designed to last just a decade.

About 30 residents turned out today to mark the official start of building work and see their new homes take shape.

Of the new development, 141 houses will be affordable homes for Oxford Citizens Housing Association. The remaining 113 will be be sold privately by Bryant Homes.

Joan Spiers, 72, will move out of her post-war house in Wynbush Road and move a few hundred yards to a new house in Nowell Road later this year.

She said: "We have waited a long time for this. I have lived in my house for 46 years and they have overstayed their welcome. It will be nice to move into somewhere with double glazing and a bit more warmth."

Vera and Banger Jacksoncorr will leave the home they have occupied in Desborough Crescent for 59 years in the autumn.

Mrs Jackson, 80, said: "The houses look lovely, and it is so nice that we will still know all our neighbours. It should have been done years ago."

Monica Chards, 67, of Wynbush Road will also join her neighbours in one of the new houses. She said: "I can't wait. To the left of my current house there is nothing and the house to the right is all boarded up. It will be lovely to get somewhere that I can keep warm."

The first five properties on Rose Hill are scheduled for completion this autumn, with a further 19 ready by the end of the year.

The whole project is set to be completed by 2012.

City councillor Patrick Murray, executive member for improving housing, said: "For me, turning the dreams of regeneration in Rose Hill into a reality has been a priority.

"I want what happens here to be a model for the regeneration this city will need over the coming 20 years."

Jonathan Higgs, chief executive of Oxford Citizens Housing Association, said: "I must say a big thank you to residents who have been so patient."