FRUSTRATED members of a trust that unsuccessfully bid to take over Witney’s Corn Exchange have urged town councillors to reveal their own plans for the venue.

They said councillors stifled proposals to make the building into an "artistic hub" for the community but had not suggested an alternative idea.

Phil Andrews, a trustee of Corn Exchange Witney Trust, said: "They must have done it with a plan to run the place better than ours. If not, why are they opposing a good plan?

"If those councillors who oppose the activities of the trust have an alternative, they should publish it in the next month."

His comments come after Witney Town Council voted to keep the management of the Corn Exchange in house.

The council had been in talks with the trust about leasing it the building but these are understood to have broken down two weeks ago.

But despite the setback, Mr Andrews said trustees were still keen to have "one more go" at running the Corn Exchange.

He added: "Members of the trust remain willing.

"Councillors and others have bemoaned the lack of nightlife in Witney but the idea nightlife means some kind of nightclub is nonsense.

"Had they not obstructed us at every step, the Corn Exchange could have been a hub for nightlife."

Mr Andrews said the Corn Exchange is currently operating at a deficit and the trust would have it earning funds to invest back into the venue.

The trustee also accused some councillors of rejecting the idea due to fears of "cultural elitism".

But he said: "The whole plan and success of the venue involves attracting as many people as we possibly can – so the argument of cultural elitism falls down at the first hurdle.

Fellow trustee and arts consultant Jacqui Ibbotson added: "Councillors should respond to consultations.

"There was one held four years ago and people in the town said they wanted arts, film and dance.

"There’s this whole myth about cultural elitism but we want a community arts centre."

The trustees also claim the bill for solicitors working on behalf of the town council and themselves throughout the failed lease negotiations amounts to about £10,000.

Witney Town Council leader Toby Morris was approached for comment but he did not return the Witney Gazette's calls.

Other councillors said they could not comment.