Campaigners and North Oxford householders have attacked politicians for putting up a “wall of silence” due to their “failure” to engage with constituents or represent concerns surrounding Oxford United’s potential move.
The future home of Oxford United remains uncertain, as the club is locked in talks with Oxfordshire County Council over its proposal to leave Kassam Stadium and build a new stadium at land known as ‘The Triangle’, east of Frieze Way and south of Kidlington Roundabout.
The move has been proposed due to the club’s licence agreement running out in 2026 and the county council’s cabinet is set to make a decision on whether the land can be acquired by the club at a meeting on September 19.
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However, in a letter sent to Oxford MP Layla Moran and Liberal Democrat councillors on August 16, Friends of Stratfield Brake (FoSBR) campaigners accused councillors and Ms Moran of “failing in their duty” of representing concerned householders due to a “fear of association with any decision linked to the possible demise of Oxford United”.
Paul Peros, chairman of Oxford United’s supporters trust OxVox, has since warned that “too often” the voice of supporters’ have been “ignored” and “stereotyped”.
Mr Peros has reminded householders opposed to the proposals that the club’s community is “made up of diverse and intelligent people”.
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Mr Peros’ intervention comes in response to FoSB’s letter to Ms Moran which insisted the engagement process had been tainted by a “democratic deficit”.
Writing to Ms Moran, the letter accused the county council’s cabinet of “forging ahead with the stadium proposal against the wishes of local residents”.
It also warned there is “mounting anger amongst local people at this silence” which will “won’t be forgotten”.
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Ms Moran has said she has been “listening and meeting with local councillors, residents and fans” and she understood the “strength of feeling among the local community is crystal clear”.
She said: “While everyone wants the club to succeed, residents are understandably concerned about the loss of the greenbelt and the effect on traffic congestion.”
Ms Moran defended her Lib Dem colleagues and said they were “continuing to stand up for their communities”.
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Suzanne McIvor, from FoSB, said the “resounding silence” from the Lib Dems was an “agreed position to avoid upsetting United fans”.
The letter highlighted North Oxford householders such as Tom Hyder and Adrian Sutton had been “forgotten”.
Mr Sutton, who lives only a mile from ‘The Triangle’, said: “I am very disappointed with the silence from our Lib Dem politicians about the stadium.
“The stadium will have an enormous impact on residents in North Oxford and Kidlington, and yet our politicians seem to be more concerned about upsetting football supporters.”
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Mr Hyder, who lives on Five Mile Drive, said he was “disappointed” local politicians “did not seem to be concerned about the risk of over-development” and the “disappearance of green spaces”.
Despite Friends of Stratfield Brake announcing it would launch a legal challenge to the county council’s recent consultation, Mr Peros, who speaks on behalf of fans, suggested fans had “every right to be heard”.
He said: “Fans will bring vitality and energy to the area.
“The financial boost will go beyond the jobs and millions being spent.”
Mr Peros said matchday revenue was “much needed” by all the businesses in Kidlington and he acccused FoSB of promoting “emotive scare stories”.
He said: “It is time to put this project into planning where locals can examine the full plans and professionals can examine it on facts.
“FoSB are not keen for people to see what a world class facility could offer Kidlington and the whole county.”
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Conservative county councillor Liam Walker and Green Party county councillor Ian Middleton have been part of a vocal few, who have openly expressed their views on the proposed stadium move.
Mr Walker said FoSB’s letter was a reflection of the Liberal Democrats continuously “struggling” to come to a “position on major projects”.
He said: “The stadium proposal should be something we welcome as an incredible opportunity for sport in the county.
“Let’s hope at the cabinet meeting, they finally get off the fence and throw their support behind the Yellows.”
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Mr Middleton, who represents Kidlington, said “people really wanted to be listened to” and the council hasn’t “made enough effort to do that”.
He said: “There is a belief that this is a ‘done deal’.
“I hope the cabinet will take on board and rethink their approach rather than throwing Kidlington under the bus for the sake of expediency.”
An Oxfordshire County Council spokesman said: “The county council has engaged extensively with the public and stakeholders during both 2022 and 2023 and has listened very carefully to people’s views.
“Following feedback from the 2022 engagement exercise, cabinet amended the strategic priorities for the use of the land and requested the club develop its proposals further.
“Most recently stakeholder meetings were held in April and May followed by a six-week public engagement exercise in June and July.
"This was promoted in a targeted way to people within a two-mile radius of the Triangle site, including by a leaflet delivered to every household and public events held in this area.
“Rich and detailed feedback has been received by the council from many perspectives.
"The results of this work is being collated and will be presented to cabinet on 19 September, when a decision will be made on the club’s proposal.
“The report will break down the responses to give councillors a clear understanding of the views of different groups, including those living close to the Triangle.
“No decision has been taken about the club’s proposal.”
Oxford United has been approached for comment.
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