ST MARY'S churchyard in Banbury is to be given a £5,000 makeover in a partnership deal between the town council, Continental Landscapes, and the church.

The scheme was approved at a meeting of Banbury Town Council's general services committee last Thursday.

It follows a discussion between council officers and representatives of St Mary's Church to decide the future maintenance of the churchyard - which is used as a popular shortcut between the Horsefair and the town's main shopping area.

The committee was told there was "significant scope" to improve the area by adopting a more pro-active management of the site.

A report drawn up by Marcel Coiffait, manager at the council's gardens contractors Continental Landscapes, said the churchyard was suffering from over-mature shrubs, over-crowded trees, and bare borders.

It recommended a "sensitive and cost-effective" solution, which included replanting some areas and grassing over some flower beds at the sides and rear of the church.

The "show" beds at the front of the building, facing Horsefair, would be replanted and improved.

The report said the proposals would have an initial cost of £5,430, but that figure would be offset by maintenance savings in future years.

Committee chairman Nicholas Turner said: "This is a good example of joint working between the council and its contractors.

"Continental Landscapes will continue to come up with ideas for parks and open spaces, and St Mary's Churchyard will be one of the first areas to be improved.

"Work will begin during the winter, with bedding plants being set out next spring.

"Also on the agenda is the improvement of the Warwick Road entrance to People's Park."

The Rev Janet Chapman, vicar of St Mary's, said: "The church has been working with the council to bring about some improvement to the churchyard, which in recent years has not been properly maintained.

"We have tried to get a proper schedule of work to be agreed so that the area will be a safer and more pleasant place."