Sports clubs receive £5,000 boost from Banbury Town Council.

The rebate of hire charges for Banbury Town Council's pitches, courts and greens could make the difference between survival and folding for some smaller clubs.

Leader of the council Kieron Mallon said: “Not being able to play because of coronavirus means some clubs are receiving no income. They’re not getting match fees, their annual subscriptions are being affected and some of the bigger clubs have bars they can’t open.

“They are in a similar situation to businesses that have been forced to close - and some of those have negotiated rent holidays with their landlords.

“The council has taken the initiative and has given the clubs a three-month rent rebate.”

The total cost of the rent rest is just under £5,000 with twelve clubs saving between £130 and £1,600.

Nigel Galletly, treasurer and team captain at Banbury Central Bowls Club, said: “The council has given us a 25 per cent reduction on our ground rental to support us in these difficult times. It is very much appreciated.”