Hundreds of supporters packed into the Guildhall in Northampton on Monday night to attend a public meeting, called by NTFC Supporters Ltd to discuss a number of issues, including the Sixfields re-development.

The Guildhall was packed to capacity, although the ruling party on Northampton Borough Council, the Liberal Democrats, did not send a representative to fill their seat on the top table. The Labour Group, the Conservative Group and Independents were however represented.

The meeting was chaired by Steve Riches and began with a statement read by Linda Smith on behalf of NTFC Supporters Ltd.

Glen Cousner then made a short presentation to challenge the council on behalf of the town to set some specific objectives and some jointly agreed timescales for action. He urged them to be positive, radical and act on behalf of the people of the town to achieve those objectives. He said the public are waiting for the council to become heroes, to stop the 'can't do' attitude and show the vision and leadership to make this town a better place in which to live.

Mick Wilson, from the Market Traders Association then discussed the issues faced by the market traders and his fears for the future. He offered his organisation's support for the Cobblers plans for a garden centre at Sixfields and that he does not believe this will affect the town centre in any way.

Linda Smith of NTFC SL read a statement out on behalf of Northampton Borough Council. The Council said they debated long and hard about whether it was appropriate to attend. The Council said they had looked at the leaflets issued for the meeting, read messageboards and looked and the questions raised in the recent Chronicle & Echo web chat. They said the meeting was in essence a protest meeting and reluctantly decided not to attend such a meeting for that reason. They said they had sent representatives to observe and would answer any questions sent to them after the meeting. They said the Council had met with the Football Club and set out their position very clearly and they remain committed to work with the Football Club to help re-develop Sixfields.

Steve Riches made the point as chair of the meeting that if Cllr Woods was present, the meeting would have listened to him, and the meeting was designed to help him as leader of NBC gain feedback, face to face from the public of Northampton.

Toni Jones of the Northampton Arts Collective then made her presentation and explained the issues facing the group.

Anthony Collett spoke on behalf of the club, and the club's bid to re-develop Sixfields. He explained the club is far more than just football, focussed on the community work and said the club brings £6 million to £10 million to the town's annual economy. He explained the saga so far, and some of the delays the club have faced. He explained the number of towns and cities that have used enabling development to finance their stadiums, and that their councils have shown great leadership and vision to support their local teams. He said that planners have to adhere to planning policy, but leaders have to lead. The time for excuses has stopped, we want to see action.

Steve Riches said that this was about the council supporting a community asset, both in terms of a stadium facility and the club's community work.

Brian Binley MP sent his apologies, but said in a statement that he had written to David Kennedy, Chief Executive at the Borough Council. He said he has noticed a weakening in the will of local officials to recognise and value the football club to the local community. He said he believes the way is still open to make progress as long as all concerned mean what they say. He laid down a challenge to the Council, to show they mean what they say.

John Dickie said he had never been to a public meeting with such a large attendance since the days of the Poll Tax and that this was hugely significant.

THE MEETING THEN TOOK THE FORM OF A QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION

Questions not covered at the meeting are being passed to Northampton Borough Council.