A SPORTS club is in crisis talks with its council owner after a footballer reported getting an electric shock in the showers.

Witney Town Council is holding meetings with West Witney Sports & Social Club trustees to try to ensure the Burford Road club rectifies a series of health and safety failings.

The council inspected the building, which it owns but leases to the club on an informal basis, after a footballer reported getting a shock a fortnight ago.

But it discovered the club had not rectified a series of health and safety findings first identified in 2012.

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The club has now closed its showers and has had them tested by electricians.

It has also closed the upstairs floor because it does not meet fire regulations.

Club trustee Sue Wilson said she hoped it could resolve the situation as quickly as possible.

She said: “The town council is not happy and is one step away from refusing to insure us.

“We’re trying to get together a plan of action to put some remedial measures in place. It seems that the town council officers are willing to assist us with this and that hasn't always been the case.”

Ms Wilson claimed the building had been neglected because of a lack of money from the council and said there had often been “animosity” between the club and council.

An inspection in 2012 revealed problems with asbestos, electrical safety and compliance with modern regulations, fire safety and Legionella precautions. The council said the building also needed significant internal and external repairs.

In a statement town council spokeswoman Polly Innes said: “It was the policy of previous councils to work towards relocation of the sports facilities to Downs Road .

“The new council had a change of policy in 2012, and it was decided the facility would remain at the Burford Road site.

“As a consequence, the council now needs to ensure that the building complies with all health and safety regulations if it is to continue to be used by the public.

“As a landlord, Witney Town Council is responsible for the insurance of the facilities and must manage its tenants to ensure compliance. The building is managed by the tenants whose responsibility it is to maintain the facilities.”

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