A park in the heart of east Oxford that was once a notorious drug haven has received a 30,000 cash boost for further regeneration, writes Andrew Ffrench.

East Oxford Action, the Government-funded partnership for East and St Clements wards, yesterday announced funding to transform Manzil Gardens, off Cowley Road.

The project is driven by a local community partnership made up of residents, businesses, the police and the city council.

The gardens, in Manzil Way, currently contain a play area with ageing equipment, a single goal-post and a few benches. In one corner is a dilapidated toilet block and a small office used by the community police team. The cash boost will help fund a re-design of the layout of the park to encourage greater use and to minimise anti-social behaviour.

Zoe Brooks, East Oxford Action Scheme manager, said: "Manzil Gardens is a precious resource, as it is the only public park of any size in this part of Oxford. This project aims to create an area people of all ages can enjoy."

Two years ago, the park was a focal point for criminal activity and drug and alcohol abuse.

Since then, Oxford City Council, Thames Valley Police and other organisations have successfully worked to reduce anti-social behaviour in the park. Another project being funded is the East Oxford Community Involvement Project, which will provide a quality-support, training and incentive scheme for local volunteers.

As well as helping people to gain qualifications and skills, the project also provides volunteer assistance to local groups.

In addition to these larger projects, East Oxford Action has announced the first grants from its Community Chest Fund.

The Chest offers small grants of up to 5,000 to local groups. Among the winners were a young mothers' and toddlers' group, a residents' association, a hospice and an Indian dance workshop.

East Oxford Action is funded by the Government's Single Regeneration Budget, and has nearly 3m to spend on regenerating east Oxford up to 2004. Oxford police spokesman Duncan McGraw said: "We welcome the the new funding. Officers have put in a lot of work over the past couple of years in the Manzil Way area.

"Officers have made drugs raids and tackled drunks who have continued to use the park.

"We have also been involved in long-term planning with the council to look at ways of returning the area to local residents."