OXFORD’S great North South divide has been a source of debate for decades.

While some city streets are among the most expensive postcodes to buy a home in anywhere in the UK, others close by suffer high levels of unemployment and deprivation.

Recent research showed life expectancy can vary by up to five years, depending on which area of Oxford you live on.

The long-running issue will be debated again tonight, with hopes of getting to the root of the problem.

The city council’s East Area Forum will look at inequalities across the city and the impact they have on the wellbeing of residents.

St Clement’s ward councillor Dr Graham Jones, who is chairman of the forum, said: “The east area of Oxford is widely regarded as the cultural quarter of the city, as it features a fantastically diverse population.

“But we have often found that there are other, less positive issues, which will see sections of the community living in stark contrast to each other.”

He added: “This is a topic I feel angry about, I think it’s a scandal that there’s this difference between Oxford citizens.

“We have got world-class medical research and yet members of our own population can live shorter lives by five years. It’s disgraceful.”

There are 18 communities within Oxford which are among the most affluent in Britain, including parts of North Oxford and Summertown.

But in stark contrast, 10 wards are also ranked among the country’s most deprived, including Blackbird and Greater Leys, Rose Hill, Barton, Littlemore and Sandhills.

Dr Jones said: “We invite local people to attend, share their views and experiences and propose ways that they feel we can work together to address these inequalities and provide all residents with opportunities and access to the same services and benefits.”

St Mary’s ward councillor Dick Wolff said: “There are differences. Oxford is an industrial city bolted on to a medieval university town.

“I live in North Oxford, but I work in Risinghurst and Cowley and represent the city, so I see all dimensions of it and they are worlds apart.”

Discussion will also include issues highlighted in a report from the city council’s communities and partnership scrutiny committee, which has committed itself to helping people in all of Oxford’s communities to live more healthily.

The meeting at East Oxford Primary School, in Union Street, starts at 6.30pm. Members of the public are welcome to attend.