Football club calls for relocation help

Easington Sports said it had been beset with weather-related match cancellations this season

A non-league football club has said it has hit a "ceiling" without support for a new pitch and facilities.

Banbury-based Easington Sports FC senior men's team plays in the United Counties Premier Division South.

Chairman Richard Meadows called for council backing for a new football hub in the town.

He said the high number of matches called off due to weather had added to "emotional and financial stress" for the club and its staff.

The club is currently based on Addison Road but Mr Hunter said it was "imperative" it move to a new location.

He said: "The sad reality is no commercial agreement on any scale can enable Easington Sports FC to continue its growth by enhancing programmes and supporting our community in line with development plans as we face unprecedented challenges concerning training facilities, flooding and floodlight issues and our clubhouse changing rooms.

"Across Banbury, scores of games have been called off resulting in significant financial and emotional stress from myself as chairman down to our foundation-level participants.

'Requires relocation'

"As a club we have reached a ceiling. Overcoming issues mentioned on our current site and meeting the needs of Banbury and north Oxfordshire communities requires relocation."

The club currently has 600 members and fields 33 teams, covering men's, women's, youth, veteran and disability provisions.

Mr Meadows said it was "absurd" the town did not have a 3G pitch and called for support from Cherwell District Council and Oxfordshire County Council in establishing a "football hub" in the town for the club and the general public.

He said potential sites should be identified within the district council's forthcoming Local Plan.

Cherwell District Council has been approached for comment.