A new high definition CCTV system has been installed at Underhill during the close season ... part of an ongoing two-phase £250,000 improvement programme.

The £70,000 CCTV, which will cover what is going on at Underhill from one end of the ground to another, is a top of the range system and will be ready and in operation for the first time for Saturday's Arsenal game in front of a capacity crowd.

The number of cameras at the ground has been increased from two to 23 ... the new system will enable the club and the police to print images in high definition from all parts of the ground and its environs.

Barnet is acknowledged in football as a safe family club to visit. The new CCTV will be able to monitor what is going on among both home and away supporters and allow identification of any problems.

Football Intelligence Officer PC Andy Wigley, the police liaison officer with the club, inspected the new system this week and was quick to point out that the police saw it mainly from the safety aspect. "I am very impressed ... this is going to be great, particularly for safety", he said.

"The view all round is tremendous ... the installation of this CCTV can produce images of the highest order and can only help towards enhancing a day out at a friendly family club for supporters.

"The club has made a number of improvements in recent times and must be commended in their efforts to put safety first and improve the family image".

Detail of the other improverments at Underhill this summer will be given next week.

Dennis Signy