A five-year management plan has been drawn up to safeguard the future of a popular meadow.

The plan for Langel Common, Witney, follows a wide-ranging public consultation over the future of the open land, alongside the River Windrush.

West Oxfordshire District Council's cabinet has agreed to spend £100,000 on improvements to the site, which lies between the town centre and Cogges, over the next five years.

Key features include safeguarding wildlife habitats, grazing the common and improvements in cleaning up rubbish.

In the first year there will be landscaping, new fencing and new seating areas and improvements to footpaths.

Complaints about the common becoming overgrown will be met with selective weed control and mowing of grass paths.

Environmental officer Philip Evans said there was "overwhelming consensus" from public consultation to keep the rural character of the common.

The council canvassed 1,000 homes in the area closest to the common and there was a good response.

Mr Evans said: "Langel Common is viewed as a unique rural and natural area in the centre of Witney.

"Though many feel management and upkeep could be improved, the vast majority want the area to remain rural and not be over manicured or formalised."

The council may also carry out a limited lighting scheme along the riverside walk to address fears over safety at night.