The trademark coffin of the Keep Barnet Alive (KBA) movement will be making a comeback next week when hundreds of frustrated Bees fans urge councillors not to leave the club dead and buried.

The organisation, founded in 1998 after the club's failed move to Copthall Stadium, has reformed in response to Barnet Council's lack of support over the Bees' attempts to find a new home.

Fans will carry the coffin which symbolises the death of the club if it is forced out of the borough to Tuesday's full council meeting at Hendon Town Hall to call on councillors to back a motion for the sale of the south Underhill site to the club.

Janet Matthewson, the new chairwoman of KBA, said: "If the club were given a chance in this borough they could make a big impact on the community. They offer 9,200 coaching sessions per year to children, that is not small fry. They could offer so much more if they were given a new home.

"We do understand the Green Belt issue and if Barnet were trying to move from another part of the borough then maybe I would have more reservations but they have been there for 114 years. We want all Barnet fans and residents to come to the town hall on Tuesday and make their voices heard."

KBA will be taking to the streets this weekend with a trailer depicting 100 years of the club's history.

Mrs Matthewson said a KBA survey of 200 people from across the borough revealed unanimous support for the club.

Councillor Alan Williams, who proposed the motion, hopes it will begin negotiations on the possible sale of the south Underhill freehold.

Mr Williams, as leader of the previous Labour administration, agreed to sell the land to the club should his party retain power. He said: "With Labour and Liberal Democrat votes, just two Conservative councillors supporting the club will be enough on the evening. It might just be possible. If the council isn't prepared to act itself, then we've simply got to try everything we can to keep the club in the borough."

But Conservative councillor Brian Coleman dismissed Mr Williams' motion, He said: "I am surprised he has got the nerve to open his mouth. Has the man no shame?"

July 4, 2002 10:00