An ambitious plan to breathe new life into east Oxford with £16m of Government money is being spearheaded by councillors and community groups, writes Phil Clee.

They claim the bold initiative, dubbed the east Oxford Action Scheme, will result in more than 1,000 residents gaining qualifications, with up to 30 new businesses being set up, and major improvements introduced to 500 homes in the area.

Ten local organisations have put in a joint bid to the Government, which is expected to decide next month whether to give its backing to the scheme. The action scheme, which has grown out of campaigning, consultation and research by east Oxford Labour councillors, would be run over five years and addresses more than 30 key issues.

These include:

*Making public services easier to use

*The formation of a new body to represent east Oxford people

*Computer training *Business start-up support

*Driving training for the unemployed

*Purpose-built housing for the homeless to replace bed and breakfast accommodation.

The scheme also calls for help for drug-users, the opening of a community cafe and monitoring schoolchildren's progress to boost achievement.

It also aims to eradicate graffiti and tackle crime, launch community art and music projects, and mediation in neighbours' disputes. City and county councils are leading partners in the project, along with the Oxford Primary Care Group, the police, the Training and Enterprise Council, Racial Equality Council, the employment service, and East Oxford Community Community Association.

All together, some 83 agencies have taken part in preparing the bid, including schools, housing associations, art groups, Oxford Women's training scheme and the probation service. East ward city councillor, Pat Stannard, said: "This is an excellent initiative, with an unprecedented level of community involvement.

"It will build on the strengths of east Oxford - its vibrant and diverse communities, its small businesses and the public's willingness to get involved - and tackle its weaknesses, especially high unemployment and poor quality housing."

Story date: Tuesday 04 May

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.