Land near schools and a disabled sports centre is not the suitable place for a temporary travellers site, according to a councillor.

Oxford City Council's lone Tory member, Cllr Barbara Burgess, urged the planning committee not to choose the site at Marsh Lane, Marston.

Marsh Lane is one of a number of sites being considered by the city and county councils, but no planning application has been made yet. But Cllr Burgess, who represents Marston ward, said it was not suitable as it was near OXSRAD, the disabled sports centre, schools, Oxford City Football Club and was in a residential area.

She added: "The council think they will save taxpayers' money by having a temporary site but things are not going to change. They are only allowing ten caravans on the site and these people can be intimidating."

Cllr John Goddard, the chairman of the committee, said: "People have the right to an alternative lifestyle. The problem is trying to find somewhere that is suitable and has all the facilities the travellers need. The search is continuing."