OXFORD East Labour MP Andrew Smith has thanked residents for support for the campaign to save Oxford Stadium.

More than 2,500 signatures have been collected opposing plans to demolish the base in Sandy Lane, Blackbird Leys, once home to speedway and greyhound racing. A campaign advert in the Oxford Mail last month brought hundreds more, he said.

Oxford City Council rejected a move to replace the stadium with 220 homes in January, but developer Galliard Homes is appealing and final decision will be made by the independent Planning Inspectorate.

Mr Smith said: “I have been overwhelmed with the level of support the campaign has received, from people from across our region and across the political divide.”