PRO-LIFE campaigners have been blocked from holding a rally in Witney.

The anti-abortion group Life wanted to use the event to put pressure of Prime Minister and Witney MP David Cameron to make changes to abortion law.

But Witney Town Council called a halt, citing a lack of parking spaces and disruption to sports events.

Life, which has about 300 members in Oxfordshire, last night said it was trying to appeal.

Trustee the Rev Lynda Rose said: “I feel very saddened by the decision. It is our 40th anniversary and we wanted to hold a big celebration.

“We thought it would be something that would appeal to the town’s people.”

The event, which would have been held on town council-owned The Leys, was set to feature children’s activities, music and speeches.

Mrs Rose said organisers had given alternative dates between May and October to hold the event, to avoid a clash with sports events. And sympathetic farmers had offered land for use as car parks, meaning parking worries were unfounded.

She said: “We are working terribly hard to cause as little upset to the town as possible.”

Mrs Rose added: “I have been trying to appeal. I have written letters and emails, but I have not had any response whatsoever.”

The town council’s amenities committee decided last November to block the plans. The decision was ratified by the full council in December.

Town clerk Sharon Groth said: “The committee took into account the unsuitability of the infrastructure of The Leys, which is intended for sports and recreational use at a local level, to provide parking, access and facilities for a potential crowd of 10,000 people, as suggested could be the case by Life.

Ms Groth said council regulations meant a decision could not be overturned within six months.

The council also rejected applications to use The Leys from The Steam Fair and Witney Music Festival for the same reasons.

Mr Cameron was last unavailable for comment.