In Monday's edition of the Northampton Chronicle and Echo, in a story titled 'Cobblers told to wait until 2026 for retail plans' the following quote was issued by a Council spokesperson:

"At the meeting, Mr Cardoza was given a full opportunity to provide some justification as to why development of land at Sixfields, outside of his control or interest, should be required, through the planning process, to make a direct financial contribution to his football club.

"No justification could be provided by Mr Cardoza or Mr Clarke in respect of this critical matter."

Northampton Town Football Club are contacting the Council to ensure this untruth is retracted.

At the meeting both Mr Cardoza and Mr Clarke went to great lengths to explain the basis of any development deal covering land owned by themselves, their partners LXB and land owned by the Homes and Communities Agency (formerly English Partnerships).

They informed the Council representatives present that in a similar fashion to stadium developments elsewhere in the UK, including Milton Keynes, that they were looking for development land around the stadium to provide development income which could then be used to upgrade the Community Stadium. Northampton Borough Council then asked both the HCA and LXB if they were willing subject to contract to contribute to the project in this way, both confirmed their willingness to do so.

This position has been stated to the Council on numerous occasions over the years of discussion and is well known by the Council. We have no idea why the Council should choose to make this incorrect statement or mislead the public as to what transpired at the meeting, but we have asked them immediately to retract the statement.