A community welcomed a new facelift at the heart of an Oxford estate tonight.

About 50 residents turned out to see the unveiling of a major revamp at Underhill Circus, in Barton, where a new police base has also been set up.

The changes followed a two-year consultation with residents, which led to extra lighting, artwork by local people, a garden of respect and the "Barton Smiley wall".

The police base will be home to the area's team of eight police officers and police community support officers (PCSOs).

Sue Holden, secretary of Barton Community Association, said: "I absolutely love it, because it has come from the people.

"No outside group has come along and told us what we can or can not have. Everyone has been consulted from the young to the old.

"I welcome the police base. It can only build relationships with officers, rather than talking to a faceless person at the end of a phone.

"I have always said the only people who don't want a police station here are those who have something to fear.

"If you have nothing to fear, then welcome them to your doorstep."

The redeveloped area is in front of a shopping precinct and was opened by Oxford's Lord Mayor John Tanner. He was joined by local children and adults, along with the entire Barton neighbourhood police team.

Consultation was led by the Barton Community Association, which worked with residents of all ages to pinpoint issues affecting the area.

These included antisocial behaviour and litter. Many felt the patch of land in front of the shops needed immediate action.

A series of workshops were held and artwork for the final designs was produced by people from the estate.

The scheme also includes smaller art projects, while new paving slabs have been laid along with new lighting.

Anna Majdi, 10, from Mather Road, said: "I really like the design. I think all the colours, especially at night, are really nice."

It is not known how much the redevelopment cost.

Nick Gargan, assistant chief constable, said: "What we are trying to do is get our local police teams out into the parts of the community that they are serving.

"Now when an officer is out in their area and have to file a report they do not have to cycle half an hour back to Cowley Police Station.

"This also helps build up trust with the local people."

Other police bases will be opened across the city, including George Street, Blackbird Leys and Rose Hill.