A parish council has launched an investigation into who leaked confidential documents criticising the way it runs a sports centre.

An expert has been called in to analyse the handwriting of all 17 Kidlington parish councillors, the only people who should have received the information.

Every councillor has agreed to provide samples of their handwriting.

The documents, about the village's controversial Stratfield Brake sports centre, were secretly delivered to at least five villagers.

They included a confidential report by Matrix Consultants criticising Cllr Christine Witcher's work as chairman of the Stratfield Brake recreation committee, which manages the sports centre.

The £1.8m venue, which opened more than two years ago, is used by Kidlington Cricket Club and Gosford All Blacks Rugby Club.

But the hockey pitches and athletics track are below regulation standard and the football pitches have not been completed.

Kidlington Parish Council spends £50,000 per year -- 10 per cent of its budget -- keeping it open.

Cllr Witcher, who lost her seat as district councillor for Kidlington in last week's elections, warned colleagues she would take legal action against whoever circulated the papers.

She said: "I hope we can resolve this quickly. Whatever the result, I will be taking whatever legal action I'm able to take."