An Oxford community centre is today preparing for a fresh start after being granted a bar licence.

East Oxford Community Association can now serve alcohol at its Princes Street centre after the city council's licensing committee approved its application last night.

The former East Oxford Social Club lost its licence earlier this year, after problems with drugs and was evicted by the community association.

Now the association plans to run the centre for the benefit of a wider range of local residents.

Chairman Sarah Lasenby said: "It will be different and a new start.

"We will be reporting to the next meeting of the city council's east area committee on our intention to use it for the whole community.

"It will be a community centre that actually meets a wider range of needs. It is going to be run in very, very strict compliance with the various things the police have asked us to do."

The association is currently advertising for a designated premises supervisor to effectively become the licensee.

Mrs Lasenby added: "We are looking for people to approach us with ideas for events at the centre. Anyone with a suggestion can call our co-ordinator on 01865 792168."

The first event to take advantage of the new licence will be an all-day event to coincide with Cowley Road Carnival on Sunday, July 6.