MP Accuses Council Leader of 'Passing the Buck' on RFU Decision

12.00.00am GMT Tue 19th Nov 2002

Council leader Tony Arbour wrote to MP Vincent Cable this week- as a local resident in Whitton Road, Twickenham - telling him that he was seeking his views on the RFU expansion issue so that he could brief the Mayor of London.

Vincent Cable said: "I was flabbergasted. This is not a matter for the Mayor. This is for the council to decide."

"Mr Arbour got into power to make decisions not to run away from them."

"Ken Livingstone knows nothing about the detailed issues surrounding the RFU's impact on the local community; nor should he."

"Mr Arbour knows that the council stand to alienate either the RFU or local residents and so he is desperately trying to pass the buck to the Mayor."

"Since Mr Arbour asked my advice I will give it to him. If permission is given for the new stand it should be tied to firm commitments on the number and type of future events.

In particular the current informal agreement by the RFU not to use the stadium for soccer should be formalised.

The problem of 'massing' by the new stand, affecting the amenity of the residential area to the south, could be dealt with by relocating the hotel and other new buildings to the car park at the north of the ground, though I am aware that the RFU do not like the idea.

I want to see the RFU and the sport flourish and recognise the pressures for modernisation. But residents also expect the council to strike a tough bargain on their behalf.

For the council to hide behind Ken Livingstone is letting down both the local residents and the RFU".