Mayor's Office backs Saracens' move to Copthall (From Watford Observer)

Saracens' bid to move to Copthall backed by Mayor of London

5:28pm Wednesday 22nd February 2012 in Sport By Simon Mail

Saracens' bid to move to Copthall moved a step closer after the Mayor of London's office backed the proposal.

The Planning and Environment Committee of Barnet Council unanimously backed Sarries' bid earlier this month to redevelop the Mill Hill stadium into a community venue which will be used by the club 16 games a season.

The Mayor of London has decided not to intervene and it is now down to the Secretary of State to offer final approval.

Saracens chairman Nigel Wray said: "We are obviously delighted with the decision from the Mayor’s office, which puts us a significant step closer to reviving Barnet Copthall Stadium and creating a vibrant sports hub for the local community.

“The new stadium will provide both a real home for Saracens and a hugely improved venue for athletics in the south east. It will secure the future of the highly successful Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers and offer great facilities free of charge to local schools.

“The benefits of our proposals have been recognised by much of the local community, including sports clubs, community groups, schools and local residents. It would be fitting in Olympic year to deliver a centre of inspiration, aspiration, ambition, health and community wellbeing achieved through sport and education.

“Copthall will, we promise, be a genuine community stadium and we will continue to work closely with the local community and make Copthall an asset that we can all be proud of.”