Due to flooding from the River Cherwell, Banbury United has had to postpone its National League North fixture for tomorrow, Saturday February 24th, against South Shields. This is the sixth cancelled match for the men’s first team alone this season due to an unusable pitch.

The decision came within a few hours of a visit to the Banbury Plant Hire Community Stadium by Rt Hon Victoria Prentis KC MP, Member of Parliament for Banbury, who was responding to concerns expressed by the Board of Directors about repeated incidents of flooding.

Victoria Prentis KC MP said: “I was pleased to get down to Banbury United FC this morning to meet Chairman Ronnie Johnson and Community Director Lisa Dixon.

“Flooding has been causing real issues for the club this season, leading to the cancellation of several matches. The Puritans are an important part of our town and the Board have been doing a brilliant job despite all that has been thrown at them.

“I am going to speak to the Environment Agency, our local authorities and my colleagues in Government to see what more we can do to support the club and secure its long-term future.”

Banbury United Chairman, Ronnie Johnson, said: “We had a very constructive meeting today. Victoria is supportive of our plight and has committed to speaking to various people to help push the issues we are facing up the government agenda.

“We are very aware that the issue of waterlogged pitches and the lack of alternative sports facilities in North Oxfordshire are not just stopping play for Banbury United’s first team. No doubt many junior sides across the town will be spending yet another weekend unable to play grass-based football. Something has to be done. The flow of water into the ground has never been as bad as this season.”

Please consider donating to the Club’s Flood Relief Appeal Just Giving page, click here: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/Bufcfloodappeal?utm_term=BZarEEqW5

Pictured: Lisa Dixon, Banbury United Community Director, Victoria Prentis KC MP and Ronnie Johnson, Banbury United Chairman, at the Banbury Plant Hire Community Stadium.