A MASTERPLAN, setting out a vision of the future for the people of north Oxfordshire, was launched on Friday.

The Cherwell Community Plan, aimed at delivering a better quality of life for local people, was unveiled before an invited audience of local VIPs.

It is the second stage of a three-point plan that outlines ways of improving the economic, social, and environmental well-being of residents.

The policy document has been drawn up by the Cherwell Community Planning Partnership a group of organisations including councils, business groups, and voluntary services.

The overall plan, which was first made public in 2002, looks ahead to 2016, with the new second stage taking the project to 2011.

Cherwell council leader Barry Wood said: "We are delivering what people have told us they wanted."

Mr Wood referred to the successes of the first stage of the plan. He said: "Overall crime has gone down, recycling is up, improvements to ex-council houses are a year ahead of schedule, the new health bus is taking more services to the people, and there has been a record-breaking attendance at Banbury's museum."

He added: "The failures include an increase in fly-tipping, a shortage of affordable homes, and secondary school education being below the national and county average."

He said: "This new plan retains all the ideals in its first stage, and includes securing a viable future for Banbury's Horton Hospital and the best possible health care for Bicester.

"We are looking for a diverse, highly-waged economy, 600 new affordable homes, a cleaner and greener environment, modernised sports grounds, leading to a better quality of life."

The plan contains ten challenges.

Improve community safety and reduce Cherwell's drugs problem.

Improve health by providing more diverse and accessible health provision and advice.

Improve education and lifelong learning.

Promote prosperity and a sustainable economy with good transport links and sound infrastructure.

Secure more affordable housing through flexible design, funding, planning, and co-operation between agencies.

Protect and enhance the local environment by developing good practice and reducing dependency on fossil fuels.

Improve recreational opportunities by encouraging participation in sports and cultural activities, embracing local heritage and traditions.

Enhance the quality of rural life by allowing access to urban facilities for country people, and for the urban community to be able to enjoy the countryside.

Develop the unique characters of Banbury, Bicester, and Kidlington.

Improve the quality of life for all, particularly older people, the young, disabled, and ethnic minorities, and by supporting the family, carers, the voluntary sector, and faith groups.