Barnet set to leave Underhill ground

Barnet fans celebrate at Underhill after their team's victory ensured their league survival at the end of last season

Barnet have announced they are preparing to leave their Underhill ground at the end of the season.

The npower League Two club are at loggerheads with Barnet Council, who were unable to assure they will be licensed to use the ground for the whole of the 2012/13 campaign due to long-standing land issues.

Last week the Bees wrote to the Football League to apply for permission to play at least half of next season at their home of 104 years while they consider other options.

But Barnet have today revealed the League do not want them starting the season without a contingency plan to ensure they can complete their fixtures, meaning the club are looking for another home straight away.

Chairman Tony Kleanthous told the club's official website, www.barnetfc.com: "Our intention has always been to stay at Underhill for a few more years but we are now finally focused on our future location, rather than having the same old discussions with (the) council that never lead anywhere."

However, councillor Richard Cornelius insists Barnet Council have offered a resolution to the current stand-off.

"I just don't recognise this version of events," he told Press Association Sport.

"We have already offered Mr Kleanthous a 15-year extension to his lease at a cost of £7,000 a year. That would let him run the ground safely at its current capacity."

PA