Millwall Football Club have slammed Lewisham Council's conduct over the New Bermondsey Compulsory Purchase Order saying they have created a 'toxic environment'.

The club raised concerns that the investigation into the controversial ‘New Bermondsey’ development will not be ‘adequately independent nor transparent’.

They released a statement today questioning the Council’s position on the CPO, which the club are concerned may have been postponed rather than cancelled.

An investigation will be launched into the funding of the Surrey Canal Sports Foundation, after it was revealed the organisation falsely claimed they had been pledged £2millon of funding by Sports England.

Chief executive of the club, Steve Kavanagh, said: "To date we have seen little evidence that the Council genuinely wishes the club to be at the heart of the proposed development and at the core of the new community.

“We have been subjected to dismissive and hostile attitudes by the Mayor and Cabinet and many of its officers throughout the process which has created a toxic environment that has not benefited any party involved.

“It is now the Council's responsibility to restore the club's faith and trust in its Council and to create a situation that recognises the positive aspects the club and its community can bring to this regeneration.

"This is the first meeting since the public cabinet announcements over the Millwall CPOs. 

“We want to make sure that the Council’s proper processes are followed to give crystal-clear clarity that these Compulsory Purchase Orders are now over and done with.

 “In my view it is essential that the cabinet make a formal decision next week otherwise they will continue to make business and residents suffer with the CPO 'Sword of Damocles' hanging over their heads."

A spokeswoman for Lewisham Council said that the CPO decision made in September last year can not be implemented.

She said: “The September 2016 CPO decision has no force and cannot be implemented, full stop. Any regeneration of the area, proposed by anyone would require a completely new and fresh decision by the Council." 

Steve Bullock, the elected Mayor of Lewisham, has been caught up in the controversy as he was on the SCSF board of trustees.

He released a statement on Tuesday denying 'unwavering support' of the CPO and said Millwall must remain 'at the heart' of any development.

Mayor Bullock said: "I have not made any public comment in regard to the proposed CPO because of my involvement with the Surrey Canal Sports Foundation (SCSF).

"However it has been reported in the media yesterday that I am “Unwavering in my support for the CPO” i.e. the proposed CPO which would affect Millwall FC and other property owners in the area.

"This is not correct and in order to clarify matters I am making the following statement.

“I have served as a trustee of the Surrey Canal Sport Foundation for several years because I want to see excellent sports and youth facilities provided in the New Bermondsey area as well as new housing.

"The proposed development was given planning permission in late 2011 by the Strategic Planning Committee.

"That committee is independent of the Mayor and Cabinet and I am not nor ever have been a member of it.

“I have not taken part in any subsequent decisions that were required to be taken either by Cabinet or a Planning Committee.

“Consideration of a proposed CPO which arises from the decision taken by the Planning Committee is the responsibility of the Mayor and Cabinet and this began in February 2016.

"For the reasons stated above I have played no part in those discussions.”