Banbury's MP has visited the town's football club after flooding caused another men's first team game to be postponed.
Victoria Prentis addressed issues concerning multiple incidents of flooding at Banbury United's home ground, the most recent of which led to the cancellation of the club's National League North fixture against South Shields.
The postponement decision followed closely on the heels of the MP's visit, marking the sixth time this season the men's first team have had to put off a match owing to an unplayable pitch.
Ms Prentis was responding to concerns expressed by the board of directors during her visit to the Banbury Plant Hire Community Stadium.
She said: "I was pleased to get down to Banbury United FC this morning to meet chairman Ronnie Johnson and community director Lisa Dixon.
"Flooding has been causing real issues for the club this season, leading to the cancellation of several matches.
"The Puritans are an important part of our town and the board have been doing a brilliant job despite all that has been thrown at them.
"I am going to speak to the Environment Agency, our local authorities and my colleagues in Government to see what more we can do to support the club and secure its long-term future."
The club's chairman, Ronnie Johnson, voiced support for the MP's commitment towards alleviating the ongoing flooding issues.
He said: "We had a very constructive meeting today.
"Victoria is supportive of our plight and has committed to speaking to various people to help push the issues we are facing up the government agenda.
"We are very aware that the issue of waterlogged pitches and the lack of alternative sports facilities in North Oxfordshire are not just stopping play for Banbury United’s first team.
"No doubt many junior sides across the town will be spending yet another weekend unable to play grass-based football. Something has to be done.
"The flow of water into the ground has never been as bad as this season."
Banbury United is urging fans and sympathisers to donate towards its Flood Relief Appeal Fund to help tackle the problem.
The club has suffered from the weather already in 2024.
After flooding caused by Storm Henk, the pitch at the Banbury Plant Hire Community Stadium was submerged in water.
A fundraiser was due to be held to support the response, but this too was postponed due to flooding.
At the time, the club said: "Together, we'll overcome this challenge and come back stronger than ever."
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