Football News : Mayor: Riots prove Spurs should stay put

By ESPNsoccernet staff

Tottenham have been implored to continue with plans to build a new stadium in their heartland in the north of the capital by London Mayor Boris Johnson.

Other / GraphicsSpurs' proposed new ground which would sit by the site of the old White Hart Lane

Spurs failed in their bid to move into the Olympic Stadium in east London after the city hosts the games in 2012 when the lease was handed to West Ham.

The club have already received planning permission to build a new stadium at Northumberland Park within the borough of Haringey, close to their current ground at White Hart Lane and Johnson says the recent riots in London prove Tottenham should do their bit to try and regenerate the area.

The Greater London Authority (GLA) and Haringey Council have put forward a joint offer of £17 million to help with infrastructure improvements as part of the overall regeneration of the site and Johnson has now urged Spurs to proceed with the project.

He said: "Tottenham Hotspur has long been an integral part of the community and by staying true to its roots the club now has the power to revolutionise an area of the capital that has been neglected for far too long.

"Last month's riots were a telling reminder of just how important it is for Spurs to press ahead with the development at Northumberland Park and to help kick-start a much wider regeneration project that would create jobs and give
Tottenham the economic boost it deserves.

"The club knows there is no more money available from the public purse and I sincerely hope that they accept the offer we have made. It is not just in the best interests of Tottenham Hotspur and the fans of this great London club, but of the wider north London community.''

Haringey Council Leader Claire Kober added: "It is critically important that Spurs commit to Tottenham to help drive forward regeneration in this very deprived area.

"We realise that there are viability difficulties and have worked with the GLA to pull together an in principle offer of assistance, which is of course subject to planning approval. We believe this offer would help to bring the scheme
forward.

"We've always said we want very much for Spurs to stay where they are revered and we feel belong. That means we remain willing to discuss matters with Spurs.''