Elderly people living on an Oxford estate have been put under the spotlight.

An information fair at Atkyns Court in Wood Farm gave pensioners the chance to raise concerns about issues ranging from health to public transport and fill out questionnaires.

Pcsos, street wardens and residents' association representatives attended, as well as Age Concern, Oxfordshire Primary Care Trust and Oxford City Council.

Community development officer Dawn Williams explained: "We are trying to engage with the elderly people of Wood Farm to see how we can help them.

"We think there are people living on the estate who are isolated — that's who we are particularly targeting because nobody needs to be alone.

"If we just get a handful of people who go away happy with how they can improve their lives, either socially or financially, or make new friends, that would be great."

Peter Bonney, chairman of Churchill Tenants and Residents' Association, added: "It's a good idea because it involves everybody and gives great feedback.

"Elderly people need to know people can help and give advice."

People filed through the doors of Atkyns Court, which provides 23 flats for pensioners, throughout the morning.

John Gomm, 77, and wife Anne, 72, who live in a ground-floor flat at Atkyns Court, said security was a prime concern.

Mr Gomm, a retired upholsterer, said: "We used to have a problem with kids jumping over the fence in the garden. They left the hose running and damaged the flowers and broke the greenhouse about six months ago.

"But it's been a lot better since the street wardens started to patrol regularly and we have extra security on our doors as well."

Dorothy Moss, 78, picked up leaflets about exercise classes run for elderly people in Oxford and council-run dial-a-ride services.

She said: "I used to walk down to the swimming pool in Temple Cowley and catch the bus back, but now it's a bit cold for me.

"I want to start swimming again because I always loved swimming. It's better than sitting at home. If you are swimming, you meet people."

Atkyns Court resident Dora Bamford, 92, said she had enjoyed the fair.

She said: "It's quite good — it's a shame more people didn't come."

Pcsos and city council street wardens will distribute more questionnaires door-to-door over the coming weeks.

City councillor Joe McManners said: "We want to find out what older people want and need to give us ideas for projects to fund.

"There's money available through the area committee and Age Concern is committed to helping with projects.

"For a lot of people, transport and access to services are key issues — people feel isolated if they can't get out.

"There are also always issues with safety and feeling secure, keeping warm in the winter and having access to good quality fresh food."

Eatwells — the community café in Barton Neighbourhood Centre — provided lunch at the event.