PROUD residents of a Witney housing estate are celebrating the neighbourhood's 15th anniversary with fetes, fairs and big plans to give the area a makeover.

Madley Park, an estate of homes based just behind the area of Newland, is still a fairly new development in the historic market town of Witney.

But those who live there said they would never consider themselves as anything other than true locals, and are keen to help people moving into future housing developments feel welcome in the town.

Chairman of Madley Park Residents' Association David Bates said: "We are an inclusive community and we work hard at that.

"I think Madley Park is a good place to live and has a good story to tell.

"We've had our ups and downs and lessons learnt. We want to be able to share our experiences with people in new developments."

After a host of fetes, fairs and parties to celebrate the milestone birthday, the association is now thinking of ways to boost Madley Park's appearance.

Mr Bates added: "We have been working hard for older residents with the closure of some bus services.

"And for our younger residents, coming into their teenage years, we are very aware that we want good facilities for them. Our teenagers are a bit bereft. So we've started on a teen zone and we are consulting with them on what it would look like. We're also expanding the children's play area.

"It's important we see young people as part of our community, not just people we place in a corner. We want to look at more vulnerable residents too."

Mr Bates also said he was working with two architects to turn the area of gravel in front of the Co-op into a French square, with benches and flowers.

He said: "It gets a bit of use but we want people to enjoy it much more."

Alison Henley, a teaching assistant, was the very first resident to move into Madley Park in June 2001.

The 45-year-old, who has two daughters Holly White, 16 and Evelyn White, 14, said: "It was a building site back then. So it's definitely grown. It's taken a while to build it up but it's a safe place and very friendly."

The Keyte family, with dad Nick, mum Vicky and son Daniel, seven, have all lived in Pine Rise in Madley Park for three years.

Daniel, who has cystic fibrosis, featured in the Witney Gazette earlier this year after Ironman actor Robert Downey Junior got in touch and offered the comic book fan the chance to go with him to the new Avengers Premiere in LA.

Dad Nick Keyte said: "Madley Park is quiet! It's a nice place to live with lots of children. The school is only behind our house. I really like it just the way it is, but anything else for kids to do would be wonderful."