RESIDENTS in West Oxford are being asked to come forward with ideas to help make North Hinksey a vibrant village for future years.

The organisers of the North Hinksey parish plan, which covers Botley, are looking for residents to make suggestions which will shape the area over the next fifteen years and help it deal with a potential influx of new families.

Planning applications have been submitted for 150 homes in Tilbury Lane and 130 homes on land south of Lime Road and concern has been raised that local services, including doctors' surgeries and schools could be stretched by the plans.

Jenny Barker, the acting chairman of the North Hinksey parish plan, said: "In developing the plan so far we have spent a lot of time looking at what is here already and how the parish could be affected with the increase in housing planned for the area.

"There are concerns over the impact that the increase in housing will have on schools and the doctors' surgery in the future. We already know the sewage system round here cannot cope with any more houses being built."

Organisers are now holding an open day for people to put their ideas forward for the plan at Seacourt Hall on Saturday, March 15.

Mrs Barker, of Southern Bypass Road, said it was important to hear views from residents in all corners of the parish which is divided by the A34 and the A420.

She said: "The fact that the parish is separated by major roads makes it harder to contact people in the community and makes it all the more important that residents from areas such as Harcourt Hill, Tilbury Lane and Raleigh Park Road, as well as anyone who uses the Westway Shopping Centre, comes forward and makes their opinions heard.

"We are looking for as many people to come forward with ideas as possible to help make the village a more vibrant place to live and work."

It is hoped that the final version of the parish plan, which will recommend future policies on transport, sport and leisure, education and youth services, the Westway shopping centre and facilities for senior citizens, will be written by the end of December.

The open day will last from 9.30am until 12.30pm and tea, coffee and light refreshments will be available.