More Government money is being pumped into south Abingdon as part of a continuing campaign to boost road safety, the environment and to help fight crime.

Half a million pounds is to be invested in a new Home Zone pilot project in Saxton Road and residents are to be asked how the cash should be spent.

The street has been selected by the Department of Transport as one of 61 Home Zone schemes nationwide where residential areas will be transformed.

All the changes, including a 10mph speed restriction, should be in place by 2004.

Saxton Road has 172 houses which used to belong to the council. Many of them now belong to the Vale Housing Association or are privately owned.

Oxfordshire County Council wants to establish a Home Zone in every one of its five districts by 2006.

Principal transport planner Roger O'Neill said: "The aim is to make life safer and better for the local residents. Saxton Road was chosen because of its poor road accident record involving children over several years."

A firm of consultants will be employed to canvass the views of the Vale of White Horse District Council, Abingdon Town Council, the Housing Association, police and local residents.

Audrey Tamplin, town councillor for Caldecott East, said: "This is another excellent initiative for south Abingdon.

"It will improve safety along the road and, at the same time, encourage people to walk and cycle and revive the appearance of Saxton Road. Cars will take second place to people."

Mrs Tamplin added: "This is another example of how more money is being invested in south Abingdon to try to improve the area for its people.

"We have our neighbourhood wardens and the Preston Road community centre is active again. For too long it has been starved of facilities and resources."

Saxton Road resident Pam Steptoe also backed the plan. She said: "Anything that improves the road is to be welcomed. The Home Zone will cut down on speeding traffic, making it safer for pedestrians, cyclists and children."

The Home Zone scheme is the latest in a series of Government-backed initiatives targeted on south Abingdon, a deprived area which is plagued by crime.

Seven CCTV security cameras are to be installed this summer, and a £450,000 bid has been made for Government aid for 170 children under four from deprived backgrounds in south Abingdon and parts of Sutton Courtenay.