A RAZOR wire-topped fence beside the Oxford Canal could be adorned with artwork in a bid to appease residents.

The controversial 11ft fence surrounding Castle Mill Boatyard, in Jericho, could be "brightened up" by art, according to British Waterways, which put up the fence last month after evicting boaters from the site.

But one city councillor has warned that the fence is so unpopular that nobody will want anything to do with painting it.

Jericho and Osney city councillor Susanna Pressel met British Waterways and approached a school on its behalf to ask if schoolchildren would get involved with artwork.

She said: "British Waterways thought it might be able to paint it dark green and get school children to paint beautiful designs on it.

"I warned them the fence was so controversial I doubted if anybody would want to be involved in beautifying it, especially when it doesn't have planning permission.

"The school didn't want to be associated with British Waterways and I doubt any Oxford artists will want to support them."

British Waterways's security measures have provoked outrage from people living nearby, the boating community and city councillors.

The organisation has applied for planning permission to keep the fence in place for three years.

On Monday night, the city council passed a motion from councillor Sushila Dhall urging British Waterways to improve the appearance of the boatyard fence.

But she dismissed the idea of simply decorating the fence.

She said: "We want the appearance improved, not by painting it but by taking off the razor wire and lowering the fence. It's been so depressing for the residents of the area. I have received an unprecedented number of phone calls."

Eugene Baston, a British Waterways spokesman, said the organisation recognised something needed to be done.

He said: "The eviction was on May 31 and since June 1 we have been involved in improving the site.

"We have approached locals schools and the community to see if they wanted to do artwork to brighten up the fence.

"If it wasn't for certain elements of the community who have threatened to re-occupy the site, then we wouldn't have to have the razor wire fence up."

British Waterways has applied for permission to keep the fence up for three years.

Its application will be heard by city councillors on the south west and central area committee on Tuesday, July 11.