FOOTBALLERS and bowls players want their pavilion refurbished claiming they have suffered since it was condemned.

The Blackbird Leys Pavilion, the former home of Blackbird Leys Bowls Club and The Blackbirds Football Club, needs £350,000 to bring it up to scratch, according to a new Oxford City Council report.

The Cuddesdon Way changing facility was deemed unfit for purpose in 2005 after asbestos was discovered, along with a leaking roof.

Council officers decided it did not comply with fire and child protection regulations.

It also had no running hot or cold water or showers.

A small section of the 47-year-old building was made safe, which the bowls club use on match days, but it remains unsuitable for football teams.

The Blackbirds are forced to shower and change in outdoor changing rooms at the nearby Blackbird Leys Leisure Centre.

The two clubs called on the council to take action, claiming the lack of a proper facility was impacting on the running of the groups.

Blackbirds chairman Clive Buckett said the club had about 300 members, making a proper changing facility and club base vital.

He said: “The pavilion had a facility to sell sweets and coffee and tea which supported us financially.

“The tuck shop helped pay for the pitches. It made about £2,000 a year which was a big income.

“I don’t think the club has been the same since we lost it, we have to spend a lot more time worrying about money and we need to concentrate on the football.

“It’s our home. We would like it rebuilt or for the council to give us a brand new one.”

Gordon Roper, of Blackbird Leys Bowls Club, said: “At the moment we ask people to come already dressed in their whites. It’s difficult because people come from all over the place and they get dirty because they are white.

“It’s just not on. It’s a nightmare.

“There is a changing room but it’s very small and really it’s only for the ladies.

“We had to put a couple of tents up in the summer but we can’t keep putting tents up and down and leaving them overnight. It is no good the council putting it off because the expense goes up all the time. The facility is needed by the football club and the bowls club.”

The council report pointed to other schemes within the Blackbird Leys area that must be taken into consideration when looking at future use of the pavilion, including the possibility of new changing rooms at the proposed competition swimming pool on the estate.

Last night the city council was unable to reassure the clubs that the pavilion would be repaired soon.

Spokesman Louisa Dean said: “Officers will be taking a report to south east area committee in September to update them on the future of the pavilion.”