IMPROVEMENTS to fenland and woods on the edge of Oxford that bitterly divided a local community have begun.

Workmen arrived at the Louie Memorial Copse and Fenlands, near Matthew Arnold School, to start work on Monday.

North Hinksey Parish Council has faced fierce opposition from a group of local residents, who warned that the council’s plans would impact on the unspoilt character of the area.

But a late compromise appears to have been reached, with the council agreeing to move the position of a wooden educational viewing platform, which will allow visitors to view the fens.

The revised plans will also mean the length of a limestone pathway will also be reduced, in response to local concerns.

Mr Stephen Elliott, chairman of the parish council’s recreation and amenities committee, said the main focus of the work would involve dividing the flow of a small stream.

He said: “The work will mean we will retain the bogginess of this fen area, which we want to ensure continues to be enjoyed for generations to come. The viewing platform will be in a position where members of the public can view the fen without damaging it. And it will be closer to the existing concrete path.”

He said dividing the water flow through the fen would help address the problem of flooding experienced by some residents in Hurst Rise Road.

The water flow work, costing £10,000, will take about three weeks, with the path work to follow.

It is the latest phase of a five year environmental improvements plan in Louie Memorial Copse and Fenland, near Arnold Way. The parish had successfully attracted grants for the scheme.

The decision to move the position of the viewing platform followed a meeting between residents and consultants working for the parish council.

Niki Carter, one of the residents who had campaigned against the original scheme, said: “We are pleased that they agreed to move it. But we have made it clear that we do not want any more encroachment into the woodland than is absolutely necessary.”

Three weeks ago the long running dispute took a new turn when Henley-based conservation group The Open Spaces Society waded in with a late bid to stop work on the fenland “in view of the mounting level of local alarm”.

The Open Spaces Society issued a press release in which the parish council’s scheme was described as “ignorant and crass” with a warning that nesting birds would be disturbed. The council says there are no nesting birds in the affected area.

Julia Hammett, who became a parish councillor two weeks ago, said: “Within the council we are now having a proper debate which is healthy. Everyone is in support of the restoration. This is a rare alkaline fen.

“We are moving forward now because we have got together with residents who know and love this area.”