The comments about the sale of the Underhill freehold to Barnet FC are nothing more than political muck-raking on the part of the new Conservative council.

The fact is that the club has more than 80 years remaining on its lease. This, together with the fact that the site is on Green Belt land, means that it has virtually nil value to the council in anyone's lifetime. Any future development of the site would obviously be subject to the council's own approval, and it would stand to gain the majority share of any funds realised from a future sale.

Barnet FC has occupied the site for more than 100 years. Thousands of people have enjoyed watching football there and supporting the club. Why shouldn't they gain some degree of security after all those years by buying the freehold at an open market price agreed with the council's professional valuers?

The real issue for me is why is the new Conservative administration not supporting the club in its struggle to stay in the borough? Instead, it pursues a thinly-veiled agenda to drive them out.

It should realise, as many other local authorities do, that having a successful football club helps to put the town on the map. It's something the community can take pride in.

So sorry Mr Lyon, but you get no congratulations from me. Shame on you for not getting behind the club and trying to help it to secure its future.

David Nickolls

Edwyn Close, Barnet

July 2, 2002 14:00