Incorrect to label Conservatives as being against football club’s future

11:26am Thursday 23rd February 2006

I am becoming increasingly annoyed when I read the letters in your newspaper expressing the view that people who are Conservative have a metaphorical knife in Barnet FC.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

Many active Tories are loyal supporters of the club, turning out, rain or shine, to cheer on the Bees. Our greatest wish is that all the furore regarding a future site could be settled, with the club remaining in the borough.

Instead of hearing that the council are blocking the club every step of the way, let us see Tony Kleanthous actually putting in an application to increase the capacity at Underhill. If he does not wish to do this, let him properly examine Montrose Park, instead of rejecting it out of hand.

He cannot wave a wand to make all his dreams regarding the club come true.

He must behave like other citizens and follow the proper procedures.

Regarding the letter from Ben Young (Group does not represent residents and wants to force FC out', Letters, February 9), referring to Brass Barnet Residents Against a Second Stadium as the provisional wing of the local Tory party is ludicrous in the extreme. To my knowledge only two local Tories were active in that group and the other 19,742 in the Chipping Barnet area either support the club or have no view.

I was under the impression that the plans for a second stadium had been dropped. If so, Brass have no furthur axe to grind and should keep quiet. However, if they are really against any sort of development at Underhill, why don't they rename themselves BRATS (Barnet Residents Against The Stadium)?

I remain a fervent Barnet supporter, a Tory and goodness, yes, also a human being.

Kate Salinger
The Ridgeway, Friern Barnet