USERS of West Witney Sports Ground have been encouraged to outline their vision for the future of the site.

Witney Town Council called for the users to create their five-year plan before the authority spent cash on the Burford Road ground.

After creating the vision the users have been encouraged to research the availability of grants.

The new details came from minutes of Leisure and Recreation Committee meetings, which were closed to the press and public, in July.

The July 9 minutes said: “The town clerk confirmed that West Witney Sports & Social and the associated users of the site had been encouraged to provide their forward vision within the timelines and subsequently to research for grants.”

A change in leadership at the town council has seen a new willingness to look again at the controversial plan to sell the sports ground to developers.

The scheme, which is still the council’s official policy, would see the authority purchase land along Downs Road to create new sports facilities.

Councillors would need to pass a motion to change the policy but it seems obstacles still need to be overcome before a decision is made.

The July 23 minutes said: “Taking into account the council’s policy on West Witney Sports Ground, the committee agreed the action suggested by the advisors and the requirement for further reports on the various legal implications the council is now faced with.”

The minutes were ratified at a full council meeting on Monday night.