MARGATE chairman Jim Parmenter has strongly criticised Thanet District Council after the authority issued a statement saying the club’s ground redevelopment was again in jeopardy.

Mr Parmenter claimed that far from being helpful, the council were undermining the Gate’s bid to return to Hartsdown.

Mr Parmenter explained the statement headed ‘Margate Football Club scores own goal’ was misleading, confrontational and biased.

He said: “Maybe now people will realise what we are up against with this council. They obviously have a hidden agenda. We have provided a letter from our funders and a business plan. The council have said these are not satisfactory, but have not told us why.

“Many of the issues raised are minor and we have pleaded with the council to work with us to resolve the statutory requirements. They have responded by re-issuing a list of demands, some of which they know we cannot meet without their help. Obviously designed to "time-out" the project.

“The council have always known we needed help to bring the new scheme to the table, but while publicly expressing support they have not lifted a finger to help.”