EYNSHAM Cricket Club is facing a £34,000 VAT bill after rebuilding its pavilion following a fire.

The building in Cassington Road was destroyed by the blaze in 2012.

The club set about rebuilding the pavilion but in January this year contractors were told to stop before work was complete, because the club could not afford the £34,000 VAT bill on the rebuilding work.

Club chairman Ian Miller said the club had sought independent financial advice before starting work and had been assured it would not have to pay VAT.

He said: “We don’t have the money, it’s as simple as that.

“What we are having to do is to try to rely on friends and supporters of the club to pay this money, and then try to work out a way of paying them back.”

He added: “You could ask the question about whether the club did enough research but that’s not going to be positive for anybody.

“We’re in this position now and we’ve got to address the problem.”

Mr Miller said the club should be seen as a community asset because of the events it holds for schools and the charity matches it stages, but said it was liable for VAT because it was seen as a business.

He has written to Prime Minister David Cameron to raise the issue.

But Mr Miller admitted the club was likely to have to pay the bill.

Anyone who wishes to help the club should call Mr Miller on 01865 880759.