A community has voiced concerns over access to an Oxford Scout Hut that was given more than £100,000 in public money for improvements.

The 10th Oxford Scout group was given £120,000 in April last year to make improvements to its hut on the corner of Marston Road and William Street.

At the time an agreement was reached between the Scouts and the New Marston South Residents' Association to allow community use of the building.

But Croft Road resident Mick Haines claimed the money had been wasted as members of the community had not been able to access the centre.

Mr Haines said: "The money for the development of that Scout Hut came from the money given to the area by Magdalen College when it sold off land for the Islamic Centre in Marston Road.

"The money was intended to replace amenities lost by that development, but I feel it has been spent in the wrong area, as no-one in the community is benefiting from it.

"People have been wondering when they will be able to take advantage of the site, but no one seems to know what's going on.

"I feel the money could have been better spent putting lights into the Street Sports site in Croft Road Park or improving the lighting on the cycle path in the park."

Marston Road resident Nicola Bowers, 32, said: "A few of us have wondered about the site as we think it will be great for the community to use."

It was always agreed the Scouts would have priority use of the site when the funding was agreed.

New Marston South Residents' Association chairman Roy Darke admitted it had taken time to get community access to the site organised.

He said: "We have now set up a company, the New Marston Scout Hall Management Company, which will be holding its first meeting next week.

"Getting charitable status and community status takes time and our vision is that we will eventually set up a community association to manage the access.

"There are already things like tai chi classes and pre-school groups using the hall.

"I also think Mick Haines has a political axe to grind on this matter, as he wanted the money spent in Croft Road."

Mr Darke said there would soon be a notice board outside the hall with information on community events and booking.