LABOUR councillors will be calling on the council leader and cabinet to join the fight to keep Barnet FC in the borough.

Last month club chairman Tony Kleanhous announced that the Bees will be leaving their home of 104 years, citing long standing lease issues with the council.

Following public outcry from supporters, Labour councillors are planning to present a motion at next week’s full council meeting calling on Barnet’s Conservative administration help Barnet Football Club stay in the borough.

The motion, to be put by Councillor Alison Moore is: “Council is deeply saddened by the announcement that Barnet Football Club may be leaving Barnet and recognises all the work that the Club does for the benefit of the local community and young people across the Borough.

“Council asks that the Leader and Cabinet do everything they can to secure the Club’s future in Barnet for the good of the local community, and all the supporters.”

Cllr Moore said: “The club does great work in the local community and to help young people, and it would be a very sad loss were it to leave the borough.”

Leader of the Council, Richard Cornelius refuted claims that the council was to blame for the club’s announcement saying it had made the club a viable alternative.

“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,” he said.

The motion will be put during the next full council meeting, to be held at Hendon Town Hall on January 24, from 7pm.