Hundreds of Keep Barnet Alive (KBA) balloons flooded last weekend's Friern Barnet Summer Show, despite the group being barred from attending the festival showpiece.

After weeks of planning, KBA was informed on Thursday last week that it would not be admitted to the Friary Park event, even though its participation had been confirmed three days earlier.

Chairman of the show's organising committee, Jim Evans, said: "I looked at their web site and I felt that it wouldn't be appropriate for them to be at the summer show.

"I have to look after the families and children at the show. The decision was made and I'll stand by it come hell or high water. The final decision was mine."

Janet Matthewson, KBA chairwoman, said: "It seems the goalposts have now changed because we were originally told we weren't allowed in because they said we were a political group but now it seems it's because we are a campaigning group. I find it incredible.

"We are campaigning for the future of Barnet FC in the borough of Barnet; all we want to see is what the community feels about the club's situation."

Undeterred by being barred, Mrs Matthewson and KBA members set up their stall, which depicted the club's 114-year history, in the driveway of a sympathetic resident across the road from the show's entrance.

She added: "It went brilliantly. I am overwhelmed by the support we have had and we gave away so many balloons to young kids."

* The Finchley & District Peace Campaign was also barred from having a stall at the show.

The campaign had also taken part in this year's Finchley Carnival.

August 21, 2002 10:30