Witney's Liberal Democrats plan to call a public meeting over the future of a key town centre site earmarked for a superstore.

But they have already made up their own minds on the former Marriotts Close football ground -- they do not want it used for more shops.

At a party meeting they decided unanimously that the site should remain a green space.

Spokesman David Nicholson said: "There's an urgent need for action and we plan to hold a public meeting to debate the issue before the district council considers the matter.

"Development could take place, to cater for leisure interests, particularly for young mothers and children."

Two Witney mothers, Harriet Ryley and Tessa Cox, have already started a campaign for a landscaped park with a playground and, possibly a cinema or leisure centre.

In July they canvassed 400 people in the town and found that the vast majority, 365, were against a superstore.

The Liberal Democrats hold 10 of the 49 seats on West Oxfordshire District Council, which owns the site.

Council chief executive Geoff Bonner sparked off a row when he declared that it would be the home of Witney's next large food store. The council then set up a working party, which is still looking into possible future uses.

Superstore company Asda recently announced it wants to build a store on land off Downs Road, on the western edge of the town.