There is good news in store for residents of Blackbird Leys with the announcement that a new shop is to be opened.

A site next to the Pathway Project in Dunnock Way has been sold to provide a much-needed convenience store for the estate.

The site was provided by Oxford City Council and has been sold by developers on the condition that it is converted into a shop which can be used by the community.

Leys Developments will begin building work today and the store, to be operated as a Spar outlet, should be completed and trading by Christmas.

David Penwarden, chairman of the city council's civic and property sub-committee, said: "This store is desperately needed by the local community and we will be happy to see the new shop taking shape."