BARNET Council says the safety of Barnet FC’s fans is “paramount” midst fears it could force the club to leave Underhill, its home for more than 100 years.

Chairman Tony Kleanthous blamed the council’s licensing department yesterday, saying it was unable to assure the club’s license to operate at the ground for the whole of the 2012-13 season.

In a statement on the club's website, he said: "Barnet FC's days at Underhill look to be numbered.”

Leader of the council, Councillor Richard Cornelius, said: "Less than a fortnight ago Mr Kleanthous asked the council's safety advisory group to issue a safety certificate based on a completely revised layout plan for the stadium.

“As the safety of the club's fans is paramount we need time to liaise with the group's members including the police, fire brigade, St Johns and London ambulance amongst others, to see what impact these revised plans would have before making such an important decision.”

Mr Kleanthous also complained that, according to the council, the club has no right for vehicles to access Priory Grove, the road behind the east terrace leading to South Underhill and the club offices and car park.

Cllr Cornelius said: “We are continuing to negotiate around proposals we have made to resolve Barnet FC's access issues which we hope to resolve shortly.”