Supermarket giant Asda has ditched plans to build a superstore on the edge of Witney, opting instead for a town centre site.

The company said it had changed its mind after West Oxfordshire District Council indicated it would only consider permission for a supermarket in Marriotts Close, on the former football ground.

Many people in Witney want the ground kept for recreation and had favoured Asda's previous plans to build a superstore on the edge of town in Downs Road.

The town's branch of the Liberal Democrats is holding a public meeting on December 4, in the Corn Exchange at 7.30pm, on the future of the site.

But Asda has announced it had lodged an outline planning application for a smaller store at Marriotts Close.

Earlier this year West Oxfordshire's chief executive Geoff Bonner said the town would need a new supermarket within five years and it should go at Marriotts Close.

Councillors have commissioned a consultants' report on shopping in Witney.

Some businesses fear a development in Downs Road would threaten trade in Witney and Carterton.

The leader of the district council Barry Norton said it was important to have the results of the consultants' report before making any decisions.

Witney Liberal Democrat councillor Steve Holborough said: "We believe a lot of people in the town do not want another supermarket in the town centre."