MEETINGS and gatherings can be held now that a new community house has opened at a town housing estate.

The initiative is to help the first residents of Graven Hill - a self and custom-build site in Bicester, to form a sense of community following the successful model in Elmsbrook, North West Bicester.

The house is designed as a meeting place for neighbours while the site continues to grow.

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The two-storey, end of terrace home has been provided by Bromford Housing Association in partnership with Cherwell District Council and Graven Hill Village Development Company, responding to a desire from residents to have an early designated area.

Community First Oxfordshire has also employed a new community liaison officer for the site, to help new residents settle into their new surroundings.

Councillor Andrew McHugh, Cherwell’s lead member for health and wellbeing said: “Learning from the example at Elmsbrook, Cherwell has recognised the importance of investing in community cohesion early on and has worked hard with our partners to provide a space at Graven Hill which neighbours can enjoy together."