Tottenham realise consequences of being based in Tottenham
Football clubs have become increasingly disconnected from their roots over the past few years. The mega bucks that the Premier League brings in through television revenue have funded huge investments, both in players and infrastructure, but the knock-on effect of many working class fans being left behind is now more evident than ever.
Tottenham is one of the United Kingdom’s most deprived areas – its local council has suffered £280m worth of cuts over the past decade, which has caused concerns for the football club, who believe the area is too dirty for its new, luxurious stadium.
Confidential memos, seen by the Observer, from senior figures in the Labour-run London borough of Haringey, highlight Spurs’ complaints that excessive levels of litter and fly-tipping in Tottenham will have a negative impact on the image of the club and its newly built stadium.
Tottenham is the 11th richest club in the world, and has invested £850m in building its new stadium on the site of the old White Hart Lane ground, but have reportedly refused to pay for a clean-up of the surrounding area.
One memo, as reported by the Observer, written following a meeting between club officials and the council, states: “Spurs were very dismissive as to the current state/appearance of Tottenham and implied that this was not an acceptable environment for their new stadium and supporters.”
Another notes: “Spurs as you may be aware quite an aggressive operator [sic]. When the question of all the extra cleaning needed was raised and who would fund it it was made very clear that it would not be paid for by Spurs.”
According to another memo, Spurs are also demanding the council pay £500,000 to resurface part of Tottenham High Road that leads to the ground “as its appearance is detrimental to the street scene around the stadium”.
This has unsurprisingly angered local residents, who have accused the club of being insensitive towards its local community which has a multitude of austerity-driven social problems.
It would cost an estimated £8,000 to clean the streets after every match or event held in the ground, which Spurs could easily afford given they make an annual turnover of £306m, with a £58m profit.
One senior Labour councillor, who did not wish to be named, told the Observer: “With bigger crowds and more events, extra cleaning is going to be required around the stadium. It’s only fair that Spurs pay for it because they will be generating increased income compared to what they made at their old White Hart Lane ground.”
Campaigner Martin Bell said: “The attitude of Spurs beggars belief and is insulting to the people of Tottenham. The club has a legal and moral responsibility to ensure the area around their new stadium is kept clean because ultimately they are the ones who are really benefiting from it.”
Haringey Council refused to comment on the row. A spokesman said: “Street cleansing has always been part of the local area management plan requirements for the new stadium. Haringey and Tottenham Hotspur are working closely together to ensure the launch of the new stadium is a success.”
A Spurs spokesman said: “Post-match clean-up cost at White Hart Lane was covered by the club’s business rates. The larger new stadium will bring with it significantly larger business rates payments, which will more than cover increased post-match clean-up costs.”
