OXFORD residents who feel forgotten will unite on Valentine’s Day to try to transform part of their neglected estate.

Members of Donnington Tenants and Residents Association have joined Donnington Community Association to bring the area’s under-used recreation ground back to life.

Su Frizzell, who lives in Radcliffe Road, said families believed the area has been “forgotten” by Oxford City Council. They have decided to campaign to urge the council to improve their facilities.

The mother-of-two said: “Many of us feel we are often overlooked in terms of funding and provision of amenities, compared to areas such as Barton, Rose Hill and Blackbird Leys.

“Donnington and East Oxford generally are being deprived of local amenities while lots of money is going to other areas.

“We in Donnington feel it’s our turn now.”

Community artist Ms Frizzell, also known as Groovy Su, said residents decided to focus on revamping the recreation ground after the association carried out its Better Donnington Survey two years ago.

The questionnaire was used to find out what families wanted to see in the area, with many wanting the playing field improved.

Ms Frizzell said the ground had been well-used by children and adult football teams but its changing rooms deteriorated and were demolished.

She said the area was now only used by people walking their dogs.

She said her nine-year-old daughter Ruby was forced to join Hinksey Park football club as there was no longer a football team in the Donnington area.

Ms Frizzell said residents have also been left without a nearby swimming pool after Temple Cowley Pools closed in December 2014.

The 48-year-old added: “We want facilities like in Hinksey, so the community here can get together and get fit and healthy.

“Despite having a large playing field in our midst, we have no facilities to support its usage.”

Residents are being urged to join the Love Your Community event at Donnington Community Centre, in Townsend Square, between noon and 5pm on Sunday.

Families can join the consultation to share their views about the playing field, and enjoy a swap shop, live entertainment and homemade treats.

Ideas for the field, which include new changing rooms, a café and wild flower beds, will be presented to the council before bidding for funding.

Ms Frizzell added: “Despite being a deprived area, Donnington is a community with a big heart. I love living here, but we need to tackle the problems of isolation and obesity.

“Our intention is to get everyone together to demonstrate our united strength of opinion, and gather statistics and quotes to put our case to the council.”