An MP says the latest revelations about the lease of the Hive shows "a failure of the council to manage its dealings with Barnet FC."

Bob Blackman MP made his comments after the Harrow Times reported on the details of the lease agreed by Harrow Council and Barnet Football Club for use of the Hive for the club’s home games next season.

Last month Mr Blackman hosted a public meeting which was attended by more than 150 people concerned about Barnet’s move to the site in Camrose Avenue.

The council had agreed an application last year to amend the original lease for the stadium to allow professional football to be played on the site, but this was not acted on as the club was relegated.

The Harrow East MP, who has written a three-page letter to the council over The Hive, said: “This is further evidence of Harrow Council’s failure to effectively manage its dealings with Barnet FC at the Hive.

“It is the council’s job to look after the interests of residents but people feel they are being ignored, and the council are just hoping they will go away and get used to it.

“Residents are very angry and they have every right to be and there are a lot of questions regarding the site but we are not getting answers.

“Now that it has emerged that no formal contract was signed between Harrow Council and Barnet FC, the debate as to whether it is appropriate for first-team, professional league matches to be played there is again open for discussion.

“I will be ensuring that Harrow Council this time undertakes meaningful public consultation, as well as conducts a full transport and parking assessment.”