Nimby arguments are spurious

3:51pm Thursday 15th June 2006

Robert Verrill (Planning applications not unreasonably rejected',' Letters, June 1) would be at the head of any Nimby advanced guard with his attitude toward the development of a community-based football stadium.

Firstly, his argument that anyone who does not live in the borough of Barnet should not be able to join in the debate on Barnet Council's attitude towards Barnet FC is totally spurious. Can only Manchester United fans who live in the city contribute towards debate over the future of their club? Mr Verrill's contention here is simply devoid of reason.

He further mentions the need to protect the Green Belt. No-one would disagree with this proposition but it has to be balanced against the long-term interests of the people of this borough in having a viable football club. We are not talking about concreting over every last speck of green land in Barnet but in building a relatively small stadium suited to a club in a prosperous part of north London.

Finally, would Mr Verrill make clear whether or not he has links to Brass (Barnet Residents Against a Second Stadium)? I declared my interest in being a Barnet fan will he declare his interests?

Julian Hunt St Augustine's Avenue, Wembley