THE Leader of Barnet Council, Councillor Richard Cornelius, has denied responsibility for Barnet Football Club's decision to quit Underhill.

Barnet FC chairman Tony Kleanthous has announced to supporters that the Bees will be leaving their home of 104 years, citing long standing lease issues with the council.

Cllr Cornelius has refuted the statements, arguing that the council had made the club a viable alternative.

"I just don't recognise this version of events," he said.

"We have already offered Mr Kleanthous a 15 year extension to his lease at a cost of £7,000 a year. That would let him run the ground safely at its current capacity.

"The club has also been offered a licence for vehicles to use Priory Grove for a nominal fee 'whilst the club's Underhill land is used as a football stadium'.

"I can only assume this latter point is the stumbling block."

Mr Kleanthous said: "This council will never know what it had until it has lost it," he said.

Mr Kleanthous is also angry with the council for seemingly paving the way for Premiership rugby side Saracens to relocate to Barnet Copthall.