This is a letter from Alan Lodwick, questioning Oxford United's decision to seek a move to a new ground close to Kidlington.

The land now being considered for a new stadium for Oxford United was bought by the county council specifically to protect it from development.

Aside from the absurdity of the council’s position on this, I have not seen a detailed and clear explanation of why the club has to move at all.

READ AGAIN: Store remains closed after roof panel flies off 

Five years ago the Oxford Mail reported (December 7 2017) that the club could extend its existing lease by 25 years.

In 2018 OxVox sensibly had the Kassam Stadium designated as an Asset of Community Value with the support of both Oxford City Council and Littlemore Parish Council. This affords it some protection in its current use.

The stadium is just over 20 years old and seemingly built to modern standards of safety and comfort while also being capable of improvement.  It is unsustainable to abandon such a recently built facility in order to build a completely new stadium.

Oxford Mail:

Surely it cannot be impossible for the club’s new owners to purchase the Kassam site and then carry out improvements.

No doubt the negotiation would be difficult but the city and county councils could and should help in this process.

Instead the county seems unwilling to stand up to vested interests while the city appears (in its latest Local Plan) to be eyeing up the Kassam site for housing, which would no doubt benefit its owner but not the club.

READ AGAIN: Oxfordshire restaurants awarded Michelin stars

Can the club and the owner of the ground please explain in detail what are the barriers to the club staying where it is?

Can the county and city council please explain why they are not prepared to help overcome these barriers?

Alan Lodwick

Kidlington