A SECOND councillor has hit out against plans to move sports facilities in Witney.

Steve Hayward, who represents West Witney on Oxfordshire County Council and Ducklington and Curbridge on West Oxfordshire District Council, said he had “grave concerns” about the plans.

He backed fellow West Witney district councillor Louise Chapman, who two weeks ago said she would fight “tooth and nail” against the plans.

The sports move could see facilities in Burford Road relocated to land between Witney Lakes Golf Resort and an industrial estate in Downs Road.

Witney Town Council has agreed in principle to sell its land in Burford Road for housing. About 100 to 120 houses could be built on the site. Although plans have not been finalised, the Downs Road site should offer more facilities, including an indoor netball and tennis hall, floodlit tennis and netball courts, a cricket pitch, and football pitches.

But Mr Hayward said: “It is an exposed spot, not suitable for boys’ football. It gets very cold in winter and the land dries out quickly. There is no way that people are going to allow their children to cycle through several lorry parks to do their training.

“It should stay where it is.”

Town council clerk Sharon Groth said yesterday that talks were continuing with West Witney Sports Ground Users’ Group to ensure that “the best possible outcome” was achieved for all users.