A £2m project to end elitism in riversports in Oxford could collapse if the clubs involved do not get their act together, a report has warned.

Consultant Linda Plowright also warns that the city and county councils must dedicate more time to the project. She was hired by the two councils to investigate why the Oxford Riversports Campus was still not off the ground two years after the idea was first proposed.

Bacling: Sir Steve RedgraveSix clubs - Falcon Rowing and Canoe Club, City of Oxford Rowing Club, Oxford Sub-Aqua Club, Hinksey Sculling School, Oxford Adaptive Rowing and The Riverside Centre - want to create a new 'super boathouse' on land near Donnington Bridge. They aim to help less advantaged people take part in riversports.

After much talking, and despite backing from Olympic hero Sir Steve Redgrave and watersports groups, little progress has been made.

Failure to agree on how the boathouse should be financed and managed are among the stumbling blocks. The report said some clubs refused to accept the concept of true partnership, particularly Falcon and City of Oxford, who feared losing their individual identities.

It added: "There is a universal lack of evidence that the clubs can raise levels of independent income, to support the larger vision.

"The councils are not so far convinced that all clubs have addressed the key issue of provision for youth work, sport development and social inclusion, making a lottery bid practically non-viable."

City development officer David Steel said both councils supported the idea, but had limited resources. He said the clubs needed to meet the councils' requirements by working better together.

Centre steering group chairman Peter Travis said he was confident it would make a successful bid this year.