'Real opportunity' for area after £20m funding boost

New government funding for an area of Oxford will give it a "real opportunity to grow", a local campaigner has said.

Oxford City Council is currently asking residents how the £20m Pride in Place investment should be spent in Greater Leys over the coming decade.

The investment will be allocated and managed by a neighbourhood board, which will produce a 10-year plan and manage its delivery

Kirk Wheeler, who is the manager of the Leys Community Development Initiative, said the funding was a "wonderful chance to strengthen" local spaces.

"It gives the area a real opportunity to to grow and is a wonderful investment in the people," Wheeler said.

"In investing over that period of time, you're investing in the future of a whole community - so 10 years gives it time to really sort of bed in and have a nice effect."

The government's Pride in Place Programme will see up to £5bn given to nearly 250 areas across the UK to make long-term improvements that residents want.

In Oxford, Greater Leys - which includes parts of both Northfield Brook and Blackbird Leys - has been selected for the programme.

A neighbourhood board is currently being established, with various events being held locally for people to share their views on how the funds should be spent.

Anneliese Dodds, MP for the area, said: "I want to make sure that every pound of this £20 million goes to the things that matter to you the most."

Addressing local residents, she said it "should be you who sets the priorities".

"Together, as local people, businesses, councils and community groups we can make the most of this once-in-a-generation opportunity for Greater Leys," she said.

Wheeler added: "Please make your voice heard - say what your concerns are and more importantly what changes you'd like to see.

"It really is important that everyone from the community has a say - we really want this money to make a difference."

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