COUNCILLORS have refused to back a controversial bid to move West Witney Sports Ground after residents’ protests.

A West Oxfordshire District Council committee said more information was needed about the town council plan.

Witney Town Council agreed in principle to sell the Burford Road ground for housing and move facilities to land next to Witney Lakes Golf Resort in Downs Road.

The district council was asked to support the move but members asked for more information after district councillor Louise Chapman attacked the scheme.

Speaking after a meeting of the council’s economic and social overview and scrutiny committee, Mrs Chapman said: “People there do not want it to move, and they don’t want to see housing on that site.”

Town council chiefs say the new site would offer more facilities. Mayor James Mills said: “I would be more than happy to meet those people to explain the proposals.”