Groundsmen will no longer be turning out on match days at most of the council-owned sports pitches in Oxford, meaning clubs will be responsible for setting up equipment.

From September, all Oxford City Council's more than 40 grounds - apart from those at Horspath and Cutteslowe - will be managed using a key-holder system.

No jobs will be lost and clubs will have to sign for keys and be responsible for putting the nets and corner flags out.

A city council spokesman said: "We think we can use our staff better across all our parks, which will benefit everyone from using them, rather than just a section of users.

"We have redistributed our staff and have no intention of reducing the number of staff to make this work.

"The fees will remain the same and clubs will be responsible for dealing with setting up pitches."

But one football club secretary has called the move an "administrative nightmare".

Geoff Bower, secretary of Northway FC, which plays at Northway sports centre, in Maltfield Road, said: "It will create havoc. I'm concerned about safety with so many keys being issued.

"Before, we had some security, knowing an attendant was there."

Mr Bower criticised the council for the move, particularly as the fees it charges will remain the same.

He said: "I think it's a cost-cutting exercise by the council. I'm concerned it's not acting in the best interests of the community."

Last month, the Oxford Mail reported that the council had pulled the plug on several outdoor events, because it did not have enough money to pay for them.

They included Jazz in the Park and the Oxford Balloon Festival.

A report by the council's parks manager, John Wade, said the East Oxford Islamic Festival of Eid Lights, which celebrates the end of Ramadan, would not be held because the authority could not afford £3,000 to stage the event.

Christmas light switch-ons outside the city centre have also been axed because of costs, but the Town Hall will continue to stage the flagship city centre event.