Sports clubs hoping to secure Lottery funding for major projects in Oxford are being invited to talk to the city council's new leisure chief.

The offer comes from Peter Johnson, the new executive member for leisure services.

Mr Johnson has promised to investigate ways of attracting more Lottery money from Sport England's Community Capital Fund.

The Oxford Mail revealed last week that there had been only four successful bids, totalling just £191,000, for major sport projects in the city since the National Lottery began in 1994.

Other parts of Oxfordshire and the South East have managed to attract millions of pounds for a range of sport projects.

Strong council support is recognised as a key factor in securing grants from the funds.

Mr Johnson has made it a priority to attract more Lottery cash, but said it would take time to properly assess the council's budget before solid commitments could be made.

Lottery officials said four key factors lay behind successful bids for projects in other areas - the existence of a clear strategic plan for sports development, a dedicated council officer to help develop applcations, flexible planning policies and financial help for clubs seeking matching funding for projects.

Oxford has no strategic plan, no dedicated officer and no budget to help develop bids.

There have been cases where planning policy has prevented proposed projects.

Mr Johnson said he accepted a strategic sports plan was vital and the council may consider taking the lead in developing one after a review of community and leisure centres, due to be completed this summer.

He said it was too soon to say whether a bids officer could be appointed.