SIR, Like so many of your readers, I am delighted with the announcement from Cherwell District Council that stage two of the much needed sports village is soon to start. The shortfall in playing pitches in our town has been identified and positive action taken – Cherwell are to be congratulated.

However, at this point in time, only stages one and two are funded. The all-important stage three, which includes a synthetic pitch, athletics track, tennis court and multi-use sports area, still has to be financed.

What a golden opportunity the Bicester Sports Association trustees have to invest in extending our town’s sporting facilities.

They have the solution and the funds to partner Cherwell in completing the Sports Village provision.

Local people will know of the vision of the founders of the association when they first gave the town its first sporting facilities in the Oxford Road.

Hopefully that vision will be sustained.

Michael Waine, county councillor for Bicester Town; Charles Shouler, past county councillor, Priory Court, Bicester.