Witney FC chairman Brian Constable has accused a police chief of "acting like God" in his reponse to its controversial plan for a late-night party.

Mr Constable criticised Insp Derek Nation over comments he made in response to the club's application for a disco on Sunday.

The party was approved by West Oxfordshire District Council's licensing sub-committee yesterday, despite police worries over late-night noise and traffic problems.

The event is expected to attract up to 1,000 people and could be the first of four similar events this year at the cash-strapped Downs Road club, which is up for sale.

The club has said it needs to raise money from social events in order to survive because of player fees and poor attendances at games.

In a letter to the district council's sub-committee, Insp Nation, of the Banbury Area Justice Unit. he said: "We are constantly being informed by the officials of Witney Town FC that for the club to succeed and be profitable then they need revenue from the late-night social aspect of the club.

"They also constantly tell us that the people of Witney do not support the club by attending matches. I believe that the people of Witney are voting by their feet."

Mr Constable described the remarks as "out of order".

"His personal view of Witney Town FC is not required and not relevant.

"What does this guy think he is - God? He has no right to make these comments," Mr Constable added.

The club has been ordered by the sub-committee to pay policing costs for Sunday's event -estimated at £2,800.

Mr Constable was also told to ensure there are no flyposters advertising the event, and to give more notice for licence applications in future. He immediately ordered promoters to remove all flyposters in the district.

Mr Constable said: "The council has shown faith, and the event is good for the town.

"We will see how it goes and if there are complaints we will sit down and see what we can do about them."

This Sunday's party, hosted by top nightclub radioshow act Miss Moneypenny's, is scheduled to last from 2pm to midnight.