Tony Woods addresses Cobblers protest meeting.

8.14.56pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 9th Apr 2007

The Leader of Northampton Borough Council's Liberal Democrat Group addressed a crowd of Cobblers supporters protesting against the delays in decisions relating to the redevelopment of the Sixfields area and the Sixfields stadium. He promised them that, should the Liberal Democrats run the Council following the local elections on 3 May they would

• follow the planning process carefully to make sure our decision is robust and in the best interests of the town.

• not compromise the viability of our town centre which must have the highest priority in regenerating Northampton.

• talk with the club, developers and other interested parties to see if solutions can be found that are acceptable to all.

• talk with the supporters. They should never learn of any problem or delay third hand.

The full text of his speech is below.

"Northampton needs a successful football club. As football supporters, we all know how important it is that our team is doing well. When the Cobblers are successful the whole town feels good about it.

"The saga of Sixfields redevelopment has dragged on for far too long. You have watched bemused as other clubs, in other towns - some not far away - have been able to redevelop their stadiums and put their clubs on a far more stable financial footing.

"While I know the message has been unpopular, I have consistently said that the fastest and most reliable way of getting a decision on Sixfields is to follow the planning process properly. Step by laborious step.

"Anyone who claims that this process can be completed quickly is misleading you. It cannot.

"The planning system is bound up with red tape. Northampton Borough Council cannot change that. That is the fault of the government. If you do not believe me just remember that the latest delay came about because of the intervention of the Government Office of the East Midlands.

"But what we do know is that each attempt to accelerate the process - to shortcut the process - has resulted in additional delay, additional uncertainty and additional frustration.

"The club needs certainty. The Council must provide clarity. At the moment the Council looks like a rabbit caught in the headlights. Each failure to deliver its promises compromises the credibility of the club with developers and their backers.

"Others on this platform today can complain about the inefficient Borough Council and can put forward 'solutions' for political effect. They will not be making the decisions on the future of Sixfields.

"The next administration of the Borough Council will make those decisions.

If I am leading that administration:-

We will follow the planning process carefully to make sure our decision is robust and in the best interests of the town.

We will not compromise the viability of our town centre which must have the highest priority in regenerating Northampton.

We will talk with the club, developers and other interested parties to see if solutions can be found that are acceptable to all.

We will talk with you, the supporters. You should never learn of any problem or delay third hand.

"Enjoy the match. It is not an easy fixture. Scunthorpe are a very good team but I am sure the Cobblers can give them a run for their money. Good luck.