The public's views about which city council services need investment will be taken into account when the council decides how to spend an extra £800,000.

On Monday, February 16, the council will consider the executive board's 2004/5 budget proposals, which include suggestions made during consultation area committees in January.

New spending proposals identified by the public include:

£50,000 to tackle graffiti and flyposting

£20,000 to support the Crime and Nuisance Action Team's work to reduce anti-social behaviour and the problem of nuisance neighbours

£70,000 to improve street cleaning.

If councillors agree, there will be an extra £800,000 spent from April, compared to 2003/4, as part of the £24.9m revenue budget.

Extra funding has been made available due to additional Government funding and due to careful financial monitoring by business managers.

City council leader Alex Hollingsworth said: "Keeping a tight control on our spending means we can now invest extra money in services and activities which local people and organisations agree are priorities for Oxford."

He added: "Our top priorities are projects to make Oxford a safer, better and cleaner city to live and work in."

John Goddard, leader of the council's Liberal Democrat group, said he would submit an alternative budget which would suggest an additional £500,000 of investment in services, on top of the £800,000.

Councillors will be asked to approve the ruling Labour group's 25-strong list of projects aimed at improving services.

Recommended improvements include:

Action on flooding, including a clearing programme for ditches and streams to protect homes

Architectural lighting for city buildings and lights for Christmas and other celebrations

Funding to boost the use of the town hall by community, arts and culture groups

New staff to prevent homelessness

Extra resources to make the council's planning service more responsive.