More than £26,000 has been given to a youth football club to help maintain its pitches.

Chinnor Youth Football Club has received the boost of £26,377.

The funds are from developer contributions for the new homes at the former Chinnor Garden Centre in Thame Road.

In order to get planning permission, the developer made an agreement with South Oxfordshire District Council.

Read also: Oxfordshire could become England's first 'smoke-free' county

The developer has agreed to commit to providing funding for village infrastructure and community facilities.

Terry Devine, chairman at Chinnor Youth FC said: “I’m delighted to receive this funding to purchase the new equipment to improve the quality of our pitches. Each year our pitches flood, so we will now be able to maintain our pitches and play more games.

“I would like to thank the developers and South Oxfordshire District Council for arranging the agreement and Chinnor Parish Council for their assistance and ongoing support.”

Councillor Robin Bennett, cabinet member for regeneration and development at South Oxfordshire District Council, said: “It’s important that developers help to improve local community facilities to benefit all residents in the areas they’re building in.

“We urge more community groups and parish councils to apply for support from developer contributions via our website.”

The football club grounds has suffered from drainage problems which leads to flooding.

Read also: Plans for new Platform 5 bar and cafe near Oxford station

Now the club has used the money to buy new equipment and to help improve the drainage.

The Chinnor club has bought a new tractor, a mower and multi-use tools to keep the pitches in good condition.

The teams can now train and play matches all year round without spending club funds to play at other locations and without rearranging matches after flooding.

Councillor Lynn Lloyd, district councillor for Chinnor, said: “I’m delighted that the football club are able to buy new equipment to help improve the field.

“It will ensure the teams will be able to play their matches on Whites Fields instead of using up to £1,000 of vital club funds each season to hire alternative pitches.”

Fellow district councillor Ian White said: “The improved playing fields back onto the new homes built just off Thame Road and, for new residents moving in, it means they’ll have an inviting open space on their doorstep to go to relax and meet other families living in the local area.”