A £500,000 scheme to refurbish rundown maisonettes has been approved by councillors - but residents are still demanding that the flats are demolished.

Labour councillors have already agreed to spend £255,400 on the Horspath Road maisonettes, plus £40,000 on anti-joyriding measures.

On Thursday, Oxford City Council's ruling Labour group agreed to spend a further £200,000 revamping the 22 three-bedroom flats, which date back about 30 years.

But residents say the refurbishment plan is a waste of cash and they are calling for the flats to be demolished.

Joan Oliver, secretary of the Horspath Residents' Association, said: "This is a waste of taxpayers' money. These flats should definitely be demolished and we will continue to press for that."

Cllr John Tanner, leader of Oxford City Council, said: "Labour is determined to turn the Horspath maisonettes into some of the finest council homes in Oxford.

"We owe it to the Horspath area and the future tenants to deal properly with this disgraceful eyesore." He said that he was aware that some residents are calling for the flats to be demolished, but added that it would cost at least £1m to replace the buildings if they were demolished and the council did not have sufficient funding.

The move to refurbish the flats has not received all-party support in Oxford City Council's Labour group.

Cllr Bob Hoyle, who represents Temple Cowley ward, where the flats are situated, said: "I voted against refurbishing these flats. I am with my constituents all the way on this one. I think this is throwing good money after bad."

The extra spending will provide car parking, gardens and improve walkways and remove dark corners which attract crime.

The council will remove derelict sheds, plant trees and make other improvements, in consultation with residents.

Work will start in January and the new residents will be able to move into the flats next summer.

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