BATTLE lines have been drawn in the normally tranquil village of Stoke Poges, as a furious football manager tries to get elected to the parish council tomorrow.

There have been huge turn-outs at Stoke Poges Parish Council meetings since September when it told the village football club to stop using the council pitch and changing rooms.

Last month police were called to a meeting after councillors said there were too many people in the public gallery to comply with health and safety regulations.

Amid the row Stoke Poges Football Club's manager Gary Matthews decided to stand in a council by-election.

He is up against Barbara Rigby, the widow of former council chairman Lionel Rigby. Both candidates are independents.

Naomi Arnold, who is vice-chairman of the council, has backed Ms Rigby's campaign. The council cannot back either candidate but Mrs Arnold is acting as an individual.

She said of Mr Matthews: “It would not be the easiest thing if he were elected but if he is then so be it.”

Mr Matthews said councillors are determined to keep him out and were desperate to find a candidate to stand against him.

The angry manager said Mrs Arnold has sent emails to villagers campaigning for Ms Rigby. He said some people had complained to electoral services at South Bucks District Council.

Meanwhile Cllr Arnold said she has made two complaints about Mr Matthews campaign methods. SBDC refused to comment yesterday.

Five years ago the council spent £14,000 on temporary changing rooms at its football pitch, at Bells Hill Recreation Park.

The football club has since paid a “peppercorn” rent of £10 a year to use the facilities, with the condition they run youth teams and pay for the upkeep of the changing rooms.

A row erupted two years ago when not enough players came forward for the youth team.

The council says there is a huge demand for youth activities in the village and therefore needs to take back the pitch.

But the club say they have made steps to introduce youth teams from Wexham.

Mr Matthews wrote a proposal to the council on October 20 but council rules mean it cannot be discussed within six months of a decision being made.

The club will have to give up the pitch and changing rooms at the end of the current season in May.

Those registered to vote can go to The Village Centre, Rogers Lane, Stoke Poges from 7am until 10pm.