Councillor Brian Coleman, Greater London Authority Member for Barnet and Camden, was quick out of the political traps and running nine days before Barnet FC had deposited their plans for a new site to the south of Underhill.

"I am keen to see the club go from strength to strength," he proclaimed in a letter to nearby residents.

That's good news. Immediately countered by him revealing his opposition to the council considering "de-designation" of the Green Belt area encompassing a section of the cricket ground, and to the "further erosion of our Green Belt in Barnet".

How does that opposition equate to the football club going from strength to strength? Planning issues are dealt with on planning matters, not political. The present Underhill is a Green Belt site and Barnet FC were playing there before any of us were born. The new site is, literally, a goal kick away.

The plans were drawn up after consultation with the GLA and Barnet Council and Ken Livingstone has, we understand, said he might approve a design of the highest quality.

My understanding is that the council will help the cricket club relocate and football club chairman Tony Kleanthous has publicly stated: "If a solution for the cricket club is not found then I am not building anything."

Mr Coleman wants residents with "a particular concern" whether they are for or against the development, to contact him. The concern of those in favour can only be to ask why he is sticking his oar in.

Dennis Signy

PR consultant to Barnet FC

October 23, 2001 13:52