LITTER, graffiti and antisocial behaviour in Cutteslowe is being targeted as part of a two-week campaign.

Community leaders have called on residents on the North Oxford estate to join in and help tackle rubbish left in public spaces and boost recycling.

It is part of Oxford City Council’s ‘Cleaner, Greener Oxford’ scheme which has previously targeted Blackbird Leys, East Oxford, Jericho, Barton, Wood Farm and Cowley.

The campaign comes amid warnings that reports of graffiti, smashed bottles and drug-taking were increasing at Cutteslowe’s skate park.

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Thames Valley Police has declared the issue a priority for North Oxford, and community centre manager Allie Noel said it had reached “shocking” levels.

Mrs Noel said: “It must cost the council a fortune to clear it up because the bins are completely ignored by the young people who go there. We are a close-knit community and try to keep things tidy, but it is shocking.”

Groups gathered near the skate park in the evenings and at weekends, she added, and there had been several reports of drug-taking.

She added: “It upsets people who want to take their children there or use the new outdoor gym. We have found broken glass, drugs paraphernalia and even knives there. And a whole side of the community centre has been covered in graffiti.”

It is hoped that this week’s campaign will raise awareness about littering and help to clear up “problem hotspots”.

The city council has said it has identified households that could recycle more.

The authority also warned it could issue fines for littering, fly tipping and dog fouling.

The campaign’s community litter pick will be on Saturday, March 28, near Cutteslowe Community Centre, 11am-1pm. For more information email saferoxford@oxford.gov.uk orcall 01865 252969.