News of Mr Kassam's purchase of Heythrop Park came on the same day that he issued another veiled threat that he might walk away if obstacles are not removed from his ambition to complete Oxford United's new stadium at Minchery Farm, writes David Duffy.

The latest problem is the covenant prohibiting the building of commercial premises for, among other things, the sale or consumption of alcohol within half a mile of the Blackbird pub owned by Morrells - which relates to the land at Minchery Farm.

Mr Kassam said that although pub company Morrells had suggested they would be able to reach an agreement over the covenant, they now don't want anything to do with supply contracts.

He said Morrells was demanding "a substantial amount of money", but added he did not have cash set aside for this. Workmen on the Oxford United stadium project downed tools at Minchery Farm in January, 1997, but Mr Kassam said he hoped they would be back on site in "days rather than months".

Mr Kassam revealed the stadium would cost just over £13m to complete, and warned that there were still obstacles to overcome.

Oxford City Council would also give Mr Kassam eight acres of land at Minchery Farm on which to build his hotel and leisure development. In exchange, the council would receive a 20 per cent stake in the company set up to own and run the stadium.

Mr Kassam must, however, complete the stadium before he is allowed to build the multiplex.

He could be allowed to start work on the hotel straight away, but the land on which it stands would only be transferred to him when the stadium was up and running.

Story date: Saturday 19 February

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