Tottenham threat to leave the Lane

Adrian Curtis13 April 2012

Tottenham have threatened to move away from White Hart Lane unless the Government helps them rebuild transport links around the stadium.

As Spurs prepare for Sunday's FA Cup quarterfinal against Chelsea at the ground which has been their home since 1899, vice-chairman David Buchler admitted the board are making contingency plans to build a new stadium elsewhere.

The club has planning permission from Haringey Council to extend the East Stand by 8,000 seats and can rebuild the West Stand to reach a total capacity of between 50,000 and 60,000 but fears the existing transport infrastructure around the ground would be unable to cope with the increased numbers of spectators.

Buchler said: "We won't stay here unless Government and the local authority invest in the infrastructure of Tottenham and the local area.

"Our capacity is only 36,000 at the moment but our fans find it near-impossible to drive to and from the ground or get to it by public transport.

"The traffic is abominable. You can't park, trains get cancelled, the station gets closed, buses don't run - all these problems happen at some time because there has been an under-investment here, one of the lowest of any area in London.

"I have the greatest respect for our new MP, David Lammy, and I believe with his support, and that of the local authority, we may be able to persuade the Government to invest in the infrastructure.

"There's absolutely no way we will do the planned work at White Hart Lane unless we can build the infrastructure around here that can support it."

Buchler, who was speaking as Spurs launch a new website system for buying tickets entitled View-From-Seat, added: "A number of other clubs, including our closest neighbours Arsenal, are building all-purpose, brand new stadiums with all the facilities to match and we must not be left behind in trying to ensure that we can compete properly in the new era of football, particularly European football, that we hope to enjoy in the years to come. We are looking at every option at the moment."

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