A councillor representing people near Oxford United's half-built stadium has branded public consultation on the club's future "a sham".

Blackbird Leys councillor Tony Stockford claimed a deal with United's new owner, Firoz Kassam, was being rushed through by colleagues on Oxford City Council.

He said a question on an opinion poll of 600 tax payers was biased.

And he claimed a decision to hand over land in the city to Mr Kassam will be "all but agreed" at a council meeting on Monday - the day before the second of two public meetings on the issue.

Speaking before the first public meeting, at Blackbird Leys community centre, tonight at 7.30pm, Cllr Stockford said: "If the recommendations go through on Monday it is gigantic step down the road. In my opinion, it is all but agreeing it. "if a decision is taken before Tuesday's public meeting then the public consultation is a sham. We cannot have public consultation after the event."

The city council plans to take a 20 per cent share in a new stadium company to try and ensure the Minchery Farm stadium is completed. In return for completing the work, Mr Kassam will receive eight acres of council land where he plans to build a leisure complex.

The Oxford Research Agency conducted a telephone poll of 600 households in the city this week.

Each was asked: "The council proposes to exchange an area of land with a developer at Minchery Farm in Littlemore. In return, the developer will complete the new Oxford United football stadium at Minchery Farm and provide Oxford with new commercial leisure facilities such as a bowling alley and multiplex cinema. "He will also support Oxford United. Do you agree that this is a good idea from your point of view?" Those questioned were also asked whether they were active supporters of the club. Mr Stockford said: "They are asking a question that screams out to be answered 'yes'. It only gives the up side and not the down side. It should say how much this is going to cost the rate payers."

City council leader John Tanner denied that the public consultation was being hurried.

He said: "Speed is important because we want to show Mr Kassam that we are serious and because the club needs a ground to play on next season.

"But we are serious about the public consultation and nothing will be signed until we have a clear picture of what the public's view is." He added: "The wording of the opinion poll arose from the decision of the council's strategy and resources committee. My concern was to make an honest and straightforward presentation to people."

The Oxford Research Agency declined to comment.

Story date: Friday 16 April

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