Clubs pitch in together

2:41pm Wednesday 19th October 2005

Barnet Football Club has purchased neighbouring Barnet Cricket Club in a move which it hopes will eventually lead to the expansion of the football club's Underhill stadium.

Although a deal to buy the cricket club had been agreed in the summer, it was formally ratified by the cricket club on Friday at an extraordinary general meeting.

All but one cricket club member was in favour of the sale. Its chairman, Dushy Selvaratnam, said the deal would secure the long-term future of the cricket club.

Tony Kleanthous, chairman of Barnet FC, hopes it will benefit both clubs. As well as providing stability for the cricket club, it means Kleanthous now has the land to build a new stand behind the south goal although he would still need planning permission from Barnet Council.

Barnet Scouts and St John Ambulance, both in Priory Grove directly behind the stadium's east stand, have agreed, in theory, to vacate their premises, thus allowing the stadium to expand eastwards if necessary. Again, it would need council planning consent.

"We, with our neighbours, are working together," said Kleanthous, who continues to meet council leader Brian Salinger in the hope they can agree the best way to take the club and its stadium forward.