Bees to stay in the borough — for now
Barnet FC has unveiled £750,000 plans to help the club ensure it meets Football League status, securing the short-term future of the Bees at Underhill.
With £250,000 worth of projects already under way, the Bees chairman Tony Kleanthous also hopes to gain planning permission to cover and extend the South Stand, so that the club can meet the 2,000-covered-seats requirement and stay at Underhill for up to the next three years.
A dispute between Barnet FC and Barnet Council earlier this year over access to Priory Road, a drive which leads to the club's car park, almost saw the Bees call time on their 99-year-history in the borough.
But the issue has since been resolved, and Barnet FC has pressed ahead with work to the south of the ground, which will include safety measures, disabled parking and repairs to leaking pipes.
The land will also be used to create a new main gate for Barnet fans, with home supporters making their way from Barnet Lane past the cricket pavilion, which is being transformed into a bar for match days. New offices, in temporary buildings, are also planned for the land, and the Durham Suite, a bar inside the stadium, is also being renovated.
Dennis Signy, public relations manager for the Bees, said: "The £750,000 will help get Barnet towards the full Football League criteria, but this still remains the short-term answer."
There was more good news for the Bees' fans this week, after it emerged that the Barnet Council leader Mike Freer attended the 0-0 draw against Arsenal at Underhill on Saturday along with his cabinet colleague Councillor Lynne Hillan.
12:52pm Thursday 20th July 2006
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