For 10 years, the football club has been trying to secure a lease from Milton Parish Council to develop a new sports pavilion and facility.

But nothing has come together, with the club arguing that with permission for new facilities at The Heights, it would be unsustainable for the men’s first team to stay in the league.

A statement from the directors said: “This has been an incredibly difficult and emotional decision for the directors, taken after more than a decade of sustained effort to secure the long-term future of the club at The Heights.

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“For the past 10 years, the club has worked tirelessly to develop a new community-focused sports pavilion and social facility to serve the growing population of Milton Heights.

“Despite funding being in place for over seven years, ongoing delays in securing a lease from Milton Parish Council has prevented this vital development from progressing.

“During this time, the club has faced repeated uncertainty, unfulfilled commitments, and significant delays.

“We have engaged constructively at every stage—attending meetings, adapting plans, and working collaboratively—but despite a formal resolution passed in April 2025, the situation remains unresolved.

“This has been an incredibly difficult and emotional decision for the directors, taken after more than a decade of sustained effort to secure the long-term future of the club at The Heights.

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“We place on record our sincere thanks to all players, management, volunteers, supporters, and sponsors who have stood by the club during this extremely challenging period. Your loyalty and commitment mean everything.

“We firmly believe this pause will allow Milton United FC to reset, resolve these issues, and return stronger—with the facilities and foundations needed to secure the club’s future for the next 100 years.”

Back in 2017, a legally-binding sum of agreed-to money, approximately £78,000, was to be put towards the formation of the Milton Community Sports & Leisure CLG.

But in the years since, Milton United has claimed the parish council has had a “lack of commitment” with instances of slow progress at the council delaying the project.

A spokesperson for Milton Parish Council previously said it is “committed” to delivering on the facility but warned it is unable to function properly as there isn’t enough resources there right now.

The parish council has been approached for further comment on United withdrawing from the league.

A spokesman previously said: “We recognise that the project has faced challenges along the way, but the council has acted consistently in good faith and is fully aware of its responsibility to manage public money with diligence and care.”

The Beacon in Wantage, held its makers and craft fair on Saturday, April 18.

It brought together talented local artists, makers and small businesses for a marketplace showcasing handmade and locally produced good.

A spokesperson for The Beacon called the event ‘a great success’.

The Beacon makers and crafts fair (Image: Ed Nix)

There was unique gifts, crafts and creative designs available for everyone, including handmade jewellery, pottery and paintings.

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There was also a beginner-friendly crotchet workshop. Working in small groups, they learnt essential skills, including how to hold the yarn and hook, how to make a slip knot and basic chain stitches and how to fasten off and weave in the ends.

The Beacon makers and crafts fair (Image: Ed Nix)

The Beacon offers a range of facilities including a theatre auditorium, dance studio, two function rooms and a coffee shop.

Record Store Day on Saturday was a global celebration of independent record store culture, a day dedicated to shining a spotlight on the shops that support music fans all year round.

On the day itself, hundreds of highly limited releases were available exclusively from indie record stores, all on a first-come, first-served basis.

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Taylor Swift, Charli XCX, and Brue Springsteen were among the artists releasing limited edition records.

Shoppers at truck Store in Witney on Record Store Day (Image: Ed Nix)

Truck Store’s Charlie Burnett-Cooke said: “There were big queues outside Truck Store in Witney, formerly Rapture, and Truck Store in Cowley Road, Oxford,

“As well as limited edition releases, we had DJs spinning vinyl in both stores and live music throughout the day:

“In Witney, local bands played under the clocktower in the Woolgate Centre with sets from Danny Mellin, Mazawattee, The Kokroachez, Dolly Mavies and Steady Habits.”