Chairman Tony Kleanthous said in the second half of last season that he would be making an announcement about the ground improvements planned at Underhill this summer, which include the prospect of new floodlights.

This was unavoidably delayed due to the chairman's recent ill health, but we are now pleased to be able to update you all on the progress to date and details of the latest phase of work.

PHASE ONE, which consisted of site expansion, perimeter security, improvements to emergency access and egress, new electrical room, turnstiles, toilets and offices, along with refurbishments to the Durham Suite and Pavilion, is completed.

PHASE TWO, which mainly consisted of the two new covered stands and disabled viewing, is now largely completed and awaiting final approval from the authorities.

PHASE THREE will be the addition of catering, toilet and disabled facilities for both stands, increased power to the site and new floodlights.

The scope of the work is progressing, but is currently hampered by the monstrous monopoly that is EDF, who require several months just to provide a quote! Supporters will be aware from recent floodlight failures of the huge problems the club continually faces due to lack of power on the site.

EDF were asked to rectify the problem last year but said they were unable to do this without going through their formalities. After months of chasing, they finally sent down a project manager who said the cost was down to us and was only able to provide the club with a "price indication" of £11k plus VAT.

When asked to confirm the exact price, they requested yet more details, which were submitted in February this year. Despite efforts to hurry things along,they say they are very busy and the earliest they can assess the cost is June. Incredible for an organisation that constantly markets itself as a supporter of football and an efficient blue chip company.

The club hope to submit an application to the Football Foundation in the next couple of weeks, that is if they agree to process the application before the EDF quote, but it is doubtful that work will be able to start this close season as the club had hoped. The improvements cannot be progressed without Foundation approval so we will just have to wait and see - there will be an update on this website as soon as we have any detail to give.

Footnote: The chairman also announced an update on the Prince Edward Playing Fields development at Edgware. This is imminent and this will appear on www.barnetfc.com in the next few days.

Dennis Signy