A PLAN to shape the future of East Oxford will be drawn up with the help of the area's residents.

Oxford City Council wants to hear from locals about how they would like the area to develop and what their priorities are.

It will also look at what funding opportunities are available and how specific grants can be won.

Monday’s east area forum will host the first of four public sessions to guage local opinion.

The ideas will then form a plan to be used by community groups and the council to shape East Oxford in coming years.

Councillor Craig Simmons, who will chair the meeting, said: “The east area of Oxford is a fantastic place to live, offering a diverse population and a great array of shops, bars, facilities and activities.

“We want to involve local people in developing a plan for East Oxford, to look at what is great about the area and identify any areas for improvement.

“This will help to ensure we are developing the appeal of the area for current and future residents and visitors of East Oxford.”

Chris Waites, who recently opened the People’s Supermarket in Cowley Road, said: “I love East Oxford, it’s an amazing community.

“There’s an amazing diversity and range of people, ideas and opinions, which we see in the shop and on Cowley Road itself.

“It’s a really wonderful area in that way and obviously I’d encourage the council to get that wide range of opinions because I think they are really valuable.”

The area forum begins at 6pm in East Oxford Primary School in Union Street.

There will also be an open session from 7.30pm for residents to raise and discuss issues with local councillors and officers.

The meeting will conclude at 8.30pm.

  • A list of the actions agreed at the meeting will be available at oxford.gov.uk and updates on action will be provided at future meetings.