I write in response to letters by Messrs Ballard and Moody ('Bias from Bees' and 'Traffic chaos', November 26) regarding the planning application of Barnet Football Club.

There has existed a 10,000 capacity in Barnet Lane for almost a century, a capacity only recently reduced for safety reasons. The plan is for a new 9,200-seat stadium just a hundred yards down the road, so I fail to see how this will suddenly create more noise, traffic and pollution.

Both writers glibly dismiss the 57,000-name petition in favour of keeping the club in the borough, simply because we do not live in the immediate vicinity. However, a great many people will be affected should the opposition prove successful and the club forced away. Not only will the supporters suffer, but also those employed by the club, as well as local businesses like the Red Lion who benefit from match day custom. Most of the 57,000 live in the borough. Many are of voting age. Local councillors are elected by us to carry out our wishes. The size of the KBA petition shows the strength of feeling around. Should the local councillors forget that, I will not be alone in using my vote accordingly.

Christopher Nash

University of Exeter, Devon

December 5, 2001 11:02