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LOCALS living by a football ground say they’re fuming about a looming change – and they say it will ruin the area. Kassam Stadium has been the home of Oxford United for more than two decades, but that’s set to soon change.
Locals living near Kassam Stadium say they’re fuming about a big, looming changeCredit: Alamy
Sharon Ashby and son Cieran say they’re disappointed the stadium will no longer be Oxford United’s home groundCredit: Ross Slater
Sally-Ann Berry, 46, said ‘it’s a shame’ the team has to goCredit: Ross Slater
Those who live around the 12,500-seat stadium say they thought the club had no option other than to move on after its rent shot up in price.
But Oxford United say that’s not the case – their licence to stay there is almost up, and can’t be renewed.
Residents said they now fear their neighbourhood is going to lose its spark, and businesses will slow, without the club using the stadium.
Sharon Ashby, 55, said having football fans around brings life to the area.
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The support worker told The Sun: “I think it is a great shame. It has given people jobs and a purpose and has lifted up the whole area.”
Son Cieran, 25, echoed his mum’s thoughts.
He added: “It is just a great place to have a football ground.
“There are so many fans on the estate who can walk to matches and it gives a much-needed boost to the local economy.”
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Locals say former Oxford United owner Firoz Kassam is increasing the club’s rent. He sold the club in 2006, but still owns the land.
But the club is now looking to get a new stadium built – an idea which has been rejected by the people of Oxford.
BBC reported of 3,000 ballots, more than 2,000 voted against the club building an 18,000-capacity stadium nearby.
Cleaner Sally-Ann Berry, 46, also shared her disappointment that the club would be moving away.
She said: “It is a shame it has to go.
“It is good for the area and what is going to replace it? More flats or housing I imagine.”
Sally-Ann said a lot of businesses “rely on match days” to keep them afloat.
She continued: “There’s no problems here. Some fans park on the estate but they mostly knock on and ask for permission if they are next to your house. 
“My 13-year-old goes down there with my partner but I can’t see them going to Kidlington. It is too far and if you haven’t got a car it is two bus rides and a long walk. It’s too much expense.”
‘IT’S A SHAME’
For disabled fan and season ticket holder Brian Flitter, 69, the move is bad news.
He said: “I can go on my mobility scooter and I can be in the ground within five minutes of leaving the house. 
“I cannot take my mobility scooter in the car so it is a big blow for me and for all of us who live around here. 
“I’m told they cannot afford the rent. It’s a shame, all of the businesses round here will suffer.”
A worker at the local Blackbird Pub said they would be one of those.
They said: “This pub is going to miss the football massively when it moves. It’s the same for all the businesses around here.  
“The place is rammed on match days and they make up for the quiet times and keep us going.”
Pub regular Alan Goodall, 70, added: “The club don’t want to go but they have to get away from Kassam.
“He is charging them a massive rent and taking a percentage of everything else from the advertising to the beverages sold. 
“It’s such a shame.”
Oxford United said it was happy to hear it had a positive impression on the neighbourhood, but that it had to find a new home.
‘HAVE TO FIND A NEW HOME’
The club told The Sun: “Oxford United work closely with our local community and are pleased that we have made such apositive impression on our neighbours since we moved to the Kassam Stadium in 2001.
“Our licence to use the Kassam Stadium terminates on 30 June 2026 and does not include any renewal rights or renewal requirements within it.
“The position is that after 30th June 2026 Oxford United will have no legal right to use or occupy the Kassam Stadium. Quite simply, we have to find a new home or the club will cease to exist.
“We are currently negotiating with Oxfordshire County Council for a possible site in Kidlington, but this absolutely does not mean we are ending our involvement in the area around our current stadium.
“Plans are in place to ensure we maintain strong connections with Blackbird Leys and surrounding areas of the city and we will continue to work with the local community to make sure that our positive impact continues.
“We have developed a Community Pledge, which is available on our new stadium website and sets out our strong commitments to our current, and possible future, neighbours.
“Our aim is to build a community-focused stadium that the whole of Oxford and Oxfordshire can be proud of while enhancing all that we currently do for local communities.
“Oxfordshire County council is currently consulting on the potential land deal with OUFC. We hope everyone will visit Lets Talk and add their support.”
It’s not unusual for people living near stadiums to share what it’s like to live nearby.
Residents who live by a major stadium in Norfolk have said they are sickened by the council “declaring war” on fans.
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Elsewhere other local have slammed new plans to redevelop a top stadium claiming it will make their lives hell.
Others living in the shadow of a football stadium say it’s super loud and parking can be hell – but they love it.
Locals say stadium owner Firoz Kassam is hiking the rent – but the club claim that’s not the caseCredit: Alamy
Disabled fan Brian Flitter says he won’t be able to go to matches when the club moves homesCredit: Ross Slater More