COUNCIL chiefs have been accused of ‘running away’ from deciding on the future of a large High Town site expected to be sold to a Shia Muslim organisation.

The Masjid-e-Ali group, currently based in Moor Street, were understood to be the preferred bidder for the Old Drill Hall site in New Bedford Road, and were fundraising within the Shia community for the £1.5 million needed to secure the sale.

But on Tuesday Luton Borough Council said the sale of the site had been suspended due to new policy guidance from central government.

A campaign has been run in High Town by a Darren Carroll, a relative of English Defence League leaders Stephen Lennon and Kevin Carroll, against the sale of the site for anything other than affordable housing.

Mr Carroll has not been available for comment since the announcement by the council that the sale had been suspended.

Lib Dem group leader David Franks has now accused the Labour-run council of putting off dealing with the issue of the site until after May’s council elections.

He said: “It’s a disgraceful way to deal with such an important issue. It’s a key decision affecting the whole town and they are running away from their responsibilities. They should say now what their intentions are.”

A spokesman for Luton Borough Council said A spokesman for the council said: “Policy guidance changes have emerged from central government with regard to provision of housing and educational needs.

“These changes have required a review of the process of site disposal across the authority. The government has set a new policy framework for the provision of affordable housing and has altered the funding stream by which this can be achieved. This new policy guidance only came into force in February 2011.

“Elected members have now directed officers to look again at how all site disposals – not just the Drill Hall site – are dealt with.”

LUTON Rape Crisis is using International Women’s Month in March to raise awareness about rape and the myths that surround it. The organisation is holding a conference on March 31 to address the issue.

LRC manager Sarah Winterflood said: “We live in a male dominated society. Most of our judges, lawyers and police are men. SO IWM is our time to shine.

“We want to educate women – and men – about the impact of sexual violence.

“We want to take the message to schools and colleges so the next generation can live free from its damaging effects.”

With the number of reported sexual assaults in Luton rising year on year, LRC is extending its core service Helpline to include Wednesday evenings. It offers survivors confidential support and advice.

If you’d like to attend the conference, email lutonrapecrisi@gmail.com

> The Helpline is open 12.30 - 2.30pm Monday and Friday and 7pm - 9pm on Wednesdays.

WORK is underway on 450 new affordable homes for Luton, the result of a £75 million deal between Luton Borough Council and construction firm Wates.

The agreement to build the homes is part of the council’s partnership with Wates for the Building Schools for the Future, as is the construction of the £25 million Luton Aquatic Centre.

So far six new developments have been given planning permission: Yeovil Road, Hart Hill, Wigmore Lane and Falconers Road. The new adventure playground at Hart Hill, designed after consultation with local youngsters, is also part of the project.

A spokesman for the scheme said the team had worked hard on environmental solutions because Luton is within an Environment Agency ‘Zone A’ source protection zone, meaning there are strict limits on water drainage and quality.

Architects produced a range of layouts for the homes and a range of exterior finishes to make each street individual to bring character to the new neighbourhoods. Environmental features, including high levels of insulation, combined heat and power systems, ground-source heat pumps and solar energy will also help residents keep their energy costs down.

Andrew Baker, construction manager for Wates Living Space said: “The New Homes for Luton project is an excellent example of collaborative working and partnership between all stakeholders.

“The project will deliver more than just homes and will make a real difference to the communities we are working in.”

TOWN boss Richard Money is predicting plenty more twists and turns in the race for the Blue Square Bet Premier title.

Hatters’ 2-0 win over Tamworth on Tuesday night saw Money’s side cut the gap to leaders Crawley, who were held at Kidderminster, to six points.

Although the Red Devils still have a game in hand, the Town boss said: “We’re back to where we were before the weekend’s games and that’s how it will be from now until the end of the season. We’ve just got to try and get as many points on the board as we possibly can.

“We know that every point we drop could conceivably hurt us and we’ve got to push on and get as many points as we can and see where it takes us.

“Personally, I think there’s a long way to go yet.”

Hatters made hard work of their midweek victory, especially as Lambs lost goalkeeper Liam Mitchell to injury after just 12 minutes.

Money felt their undoubted quality eventually shone through, as he continued: “We knew they would come and play with one up top, defend very deep and get a lot of bodies back behind the ball.

“It’s not easy to move the ball quick enough on this surface and then the goalkeeper has to change.

“They’ve sunk back even deeper and protected the goal, which is what you would try and do. But we were patient and probably should have been in front before we scored.

“It was a terrific ball from Jake (Howells) and a good header from Lloyd (Owusu) and we just wanted to make sure we pushed forward, got the second goal and saw the game out properly.”

Goalscorer Owusu looked like he had picked up a knock just before he was replaced in the last minute, but Money said: “He’s fine. He actually wasn’t feeling very well at half time and had a bit of a heavy cold.

“I would have liked to have taken him off earlier, but it’s very important to see the game through.”

The Town chief also reserved words of praise for the home fans, as yet again over 5,500 turned out.

He added: “I thought the supporters were fantastic from the first minute.

“They were very patient, very understanding and that’s what we need until the end of the season.

“I think they can see we’re genuinely trying to play football in difficult circumstances. That’s what we have to do and I think we made a pretty good fist of it.”

Wins are all that matter to Owusu

VICTORY was the only thing occupying striker Lloyd Owusu’s mind during the Hatters’ 2-0 victory over Tamworth on Tuesday night, writes Mike Simmonds.

An instantly forgettable match was settled by goals from Owusu and Matthew Barnes-Homer as Town remained firmly in the title hunt.

The 34-year-old forward said: “It was just one of them games. We knew what we had to do and that was get three points. It was a bit flat all over, from the fans, but the fans have been brilliant all season and they may have been a bit disappointed from the weekend’s result.

“Hopefully they can just keep getting behind us and we can keep getting the results like we have done.”

Once Owusu had put Hatters in front on 38 minutes, Town made sure of victory thanks to Barnes-Homer’s 16th of the season after the break. Having failed to take their chances against Kidderminster on Saturday, the former Brentford man knew how important that second goal was.

He continued: “We’ve always said once we get the one goal, we’ve got to capitalise on teams because that 1-0 advantage is OK, but other teams can get back into the game easy.

“The boys at the back were tremendous, kept a solid shape. The others just try to go to the other end and do what we have to do.”

Although Tamworth found themselves having to put defender Tom Marshall in goal as early as the 12th minute due to Liam Mitchell’s injury, it didn’t make matters any easier according to Owusu.

He added: “You do think about that sometimes, but we can’t worry too much about their keeper, we’ve just got to make sure we keep playing our game.

“Our game plan was to keep hurrying them, keep turning them and that’s what we’ve done. The shots were coming along, but fair play to the keeper, he made a few little saves here and there.

“There were some good balls in the box and we just tried to harry him and put him under pressure, but he stood his ground and did well for them.”

Hatters midfielder determined to taste first win at Field Mill

HATTERS midfielder Alex Lawless is out to end his personal hoodoo at Mansfield in Town’s FA Trophy semi-final first leg tie on Sunday afternoon, writes Mike Simmonds.

The 28-year-old has never won at Field Mill in his career, losing 3-0 twice when at Torquay and Forest Green Rovers, before a 5-0 hammering while as a York player earlier this season.

Lawless said: “I’ve never won at Mansfield, it’s probably not even worth thinking about how many times.

“It has been unfortunate, we’ve had players sent off.

“It’s an extra impetus for me to go there and get rid of that hoodoo, especially in a game like this.

“Instead of thinking, oh no, I’d like to think, let’s put it right.”

Although the match has been moved to Sunday under police advice, Town boss Richard Money insisted he is still taking the competition very seriously, despite Cambridge United away in the league on Tuesday night, taking priority. He said: “It’s more than a break from the league, it’s a very important cup competition for the club.

“We desperately want to get to Wembley, make no mistake about it and we’re going to try and do everything we can to make that happen.

“But I’ve always got to have one eye on our league status and Sunday and Tuesday doesn’t help us when there is no need in my view.”

Lawless was a surprise inclusion for Hatters’ 2-0 victory over Tamworth on Tuesday night, having missed the last two games with a hip injury suffered at Guiseley.

He said: “I’ve been struggling since last week. It was getting on my nerves a bit. I’ve been trying and trying, but it’s just one of those things where you can’t really do a lot except for wait.

“On Monday I did a bit of work and it’s all fine and then when you’re asked to start, no-one complains about that.”

Money was also not expecting the midfielder to play, but was delighted to give him a recall, adding: “He had a good session with the physio on Monday and we discussed it and decided to put him back in.

“He gives us that extra dimension and makes the balance of the midfield between defence and offence, a lot more balanced. We lost (Andy) Drury which is something that we didn’t want to do. People like Alex Lawless are very important. He can pick the clever pass and create something that Drury used to do for us.”

THOUSANDS of pounds of taxpayers’ cash has been spent on hiring a public relations guru for Luton Borough Council, despite the authority having a 20-strong communications team of its own.

The council has paid communications consultant Michele Smith a total of £167,000 over the past five years, a Freedom of Information request has shown.

In the 2009/10 financial year, Michele Smith Communications was paid more than £47,000 by the council, with one individual invoice for ‘PR cover’ coming in at more than £5,000.

Her other work paid for by the council has included PR for the Marsh Farm Community Development Trust and the now-defunct Luton Gateway quango.

The council’s own communications team costs the public purse in excess of £400,000 a year, and includes a head of communications role with a salary of up to £67,000, a senior press relations officer, press officers, an internal communications officer, plus a manager, three editors and a team of graphic designers for the council website. Asked why there was a need to employ an external consultant, a council spokesman said: “The council will from time to time employ either additional or specialist resource on an ad-hoc basis where this cannot be met by the existing establishment.”

Mrs Smith, who is married to Luton on Sunday and LD Express group editor Steve Lowe, had been an employee of the council on a five-month maternity contract in 2005, a spokesman for the council said.

In 2006, 2007 and 2008 she was paid as a freelance editor for Lutonline magazine, the council-produced newspaper delivered to thousands of homes in Luton by LSN Media, the publishers of Luton on Sunday and LD Express.

The council says that since April of last year Lutonline has been compiled in-house, and that the communications department is to be cut from 20 staff to 13 this year, with the head of communications role being ‘deleted’.

The spokesman added: “Much of the work detailed (in the Freedom of Information response) was contracted by the independent bodies Marsh Farm Community Development Trust and Luton Gateway, and funded through government. The invoices are shown on Luton Borough Council’s accounts only through its role as the accountable body.”

After contacting Mrs Smith about her work for the council, the Herald&Post received a letter from her lawyers and a statement saying: “Luton Borough Council is just one of a number of my clients. I am just one of a number of consultants who have worked for the council in recent years.

“The amount of money discussed is the result of a total of seven separate contracts, across different service areas, over a six year period.”

The council failed to provide an answer when asked whether the contracts for the work carried out by Mrs Smith had been put out to tender.

LUTON is famous for a number of things; its hat-making dynasty, over a century of car production at Vauxhall and the legendary drinking capacity of the George Street Hobos to name just a few.

But did you know about its world-renowned tattoo industry?

We didn’t until the Luton News took a trip to Adrenalin tattoos on Cheapside for an ink education from proprietor and walking work of art Richard Burley.

“It all started back in the 50s for Luton,” says Richard as we tour through his busy studio.

His imposing 6ft plus frame and impressive array of tattoos (45 at the last count) must no doubt cause customers to think twice before ‘doing a runner.’

“The town’s reputation for great tattoos stem from a guy known as Lone Wolf who began working out of a shed in High Town.

“He gradually built his business up and I was fortunate enough to have my very first tattoo done by the great man when I was 15 – he charged me £2.65.”

Today, Luton has a thriving tattoo scene and the four quality parlours spread around the town attract people from as far afield as Brighton for their acclaimed artwork.

Richard, 51, explains: “The town’s got a good name for tattoos, which we’re all proud of, and word spreads pretty quickly.

“Every tattoo is an advert in itself so if your quality is consistent then you’ll soon gain clients. Trade seems to be booming at the moment and certainly hasn’t been affected by the recession.

“I think the prevalence of celebrity tattoos has played a large part in this – people see Beckham or Cheryl Cole and they want something similar.”

As we glimpse the wide range of examples on show in the shop, truly encompassing the good, the bad and the ugly (I’ll explain later) you get the sense that the best tattoos are always the most personal and meaningful.

Richard takes us through a visual tour of his own personal collection and I’m particularly struck by the tattoo on his abdomen – a portrait of his late wife Klara who died in 2007.

“Of course we try to encourage customers to go for something enduring because it’s going to be a part of them forever,” says Richard, now fully clothed.

“The other piece of advice I give is there’s no such a thing as a cheap tattoo - you get what you pay for.”

That last mantra is something this writer has unfortunate first-hand experience of and, noticing the slipshod sketchings on my arm (I was the victim of a horrific tattoo experiment at the hands of a ‘friend’), Richard kindly offers to turn the tat into something more respectable.

Needless to say I bite his hand off at the chance to be able to wear short sleeves again and am duly assigned Richard’s right-hand man Gabor to ink me up.

The aforementioned ‘bad and the ugly’ are the examples of botched tattoos people have asked the studio to rescue and Gabor tells me one of the best parts of the job are seeing the smile on someone’s face when you’ve managed to literally save their skin.

When we get down to business I attempt to interview Gabor for a video piece as he re-draws my tattoo. But as blood starts to trickle and the sweat starts to pour, my pained expression causes a series of questions to be yelped rather than posed – then again I’d like to see Parkinson converse with a needle in his arm!

I should hasten to add this was purely down to the damage inflicted previously - Gabor’s skill and slight of hand were a sight to behold and he was a thoroughly nice chap to boot.

As we bid our farewells – I glance down at my newly restored artwork and marvel how something so painful (if you’re a wimp like me anyway) can cause so much pleasure. I guess you’d need to ask Lone Wolf.

For a video of our visit to Adrenalin go to www.lutontoday.co.uk

THE new Luton Sixth Form College was officially opened by ex-student Professor Sir Alec Jeffreys on Wednesday (March 9).

After six years, the £56 million campus was completed on time and within budget.

Past and present students, staff and governors gathered to watch the unveiling of the commemorative plaque by Sir Alec who spoke fondly of his memories of the sixth form.

Guest of honour Sir Alec said: “There is a real tremor of sadness to see the old building disappear that played such a crucial part in my life but it was no longer fit for purpose. This new building is wonderful and will serve the young well in this most important part of their education.”

Over half of the sixteen to eighteen year olds in Luton attend the college, the oldest in England, which developed from the 1938 Luton Grammar School for Boys.

Sir Alec was in the first cohort of students in 1966 and sat his science A Levels at the college before gaining a first class honours Biochemistry degree from Oxford.

He developed genetic fingerprinting and DNA profiling, transforming science.

Principal Simon Kitchener said: “This is an historic day for the college.

“The fantastic new campus will enable students to learn in a brilliant environment with modern facilities that enhance and improve their study.

“To see this project realised means our dreams really have come true.”

Vice Chair of Governors and MP for Luton North, Kelvin Hopkins, also attended the ceremony and spoke of his pride for Luton College, where his children took their A Levels.

MP Hopkins said: “The college is a great force of community cohesion in this town. Students from isolated communities come here to mix with each other and learn about each other. They are Luton in Harmony.”

A LUTON sandwich manufacturer has been fined for posing ‘a very grave risk to the public’ after health inspectors putrefying fillings and mouldy rolls.

Nilojan Food, based in Stanley Walk, was found guilty of 11 food hygiene offences at Luton Magistrates Court last Friday.

The company was producing up to 350 sandwiches and 60 filled rolls a day and distributing them to garages throughout the south east for sale to the unsuspecting public.

For during a routine inspection in November 2009, food safety officers found sandwiches being made in filthy conditions.

The drains were defective and had recently flooded, allowing raw sewage to flow over the floors of the preparation area.

Sandwich wrappers were found on the floor among the mess.

Structural defects meant that food was exposed to contamination from splintering wood and crumbling plaster. Equipment and surfaces were dirty, with food remains splashed up walls. Containers of mouldy, putrefying sandwich fillings were found along with mouldy rolls.

Food safety officers immediately closed the premises. Magistrates said the business posed ‘a very grave risk to the public’ and imposed fines totalling £55,000 and costs of £2,280.

Nilojan Food is no longer trading in Luton.

O’Donnell and Watkins to gain first team experience

LUTON Town youngsters JJ O’Donnnell and Adam Watkins have both been sent out on loan, writes Mike Simmonds

O’Donnell has rejoined Blue Square South strugglers St Albans City, while Watkins, who scored his first Hatters goal this season, has moved to Ryman Premier Division side Harrow Borough.

For the full story, see next weeks Luton News/Dunstable Gazette.

IMMIGRATION officials have caught four illegal immigrants working at takeaway shops in Luton.

Officers from the the UK Border Agency raided Lewsey Chicken ‘n Pizza in Tomlinson Avenue and Al Deen Take-Away in Dunstable Road on Monday evening (March 7).

Immigration checks at Lewsey Chicken ‘n Pizza revealed one member of staff – a 36-year-old Pakistani man who was working in the preparation of the food – had overstayed his visa.

At Al Deen Take-Away three members of staff – all Pakistani men – were found to be working illegally. A 54-year-old and a 48-year-old had both overstayed their visas, while another 48-year-old man was found to have entered the country illegally.

The UK Border Agency is now working to remove all four men from the country.

Both businesses now face potential fines of up to £10,000 per illegal worker unless they can prove that the correct pre-employment checks were carried out.

Chief immigration officer Melanie Partridge said: “Where we find people who are in the UK illegally, we will seek to remove them. But we also want to send out a strong message to employers.

“It is the legal responsibility of all businesses to check their employees have the right to work in the UK. There are serious financial penalties for those that ignore this requirement.”

Employers unsure of the steps they need to take to avoid employing illegal workers can visit www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/employers or they can call the UK Border Agency’s Employers Helpline on 0300 123 4699.

Anyone who suspects that illegal workers are being employed at a business in Bedfordshire can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 anonymously or visit http://www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Light at the end of the tunnel for Hatters duo

HATTERS duo Adam Newton and Ed Asafu-Adjaye are both available for the Sunday trip to Mansfield in the FA Trophy, writes Mike Simmonds.

Asafu-Adjaye has missed the last nine games, while Newton hasn’t featured since September 28, coincidentally against Mansfield, after suffering an Achilles injury.

Town boss Richard Money said: “The really good news is that (Adam) Newton trained this week and will be in the squad which has given everyone in the squad a real boost because he’s extremely popular in the dressing room and a really good voice in the dressing room

“He’s like a newborn baby, because there was a time where we thought he might not be able to recover in time this season. But it’s improved significantly over the last two or three weeks and he’s trained this week and I have to say, really surprised us.

“Eddie’s back in the squad for the first time in weeks. He looks as though he’s got over a multitude of problems, all probably related to his back.”

There wasn’t such good news about injured pair Shane Blackett or Alex Lacey, while right back Dan Gleeson is also a doubt for the clash.

Money continued: “Gleeson has a little bit of a knock on his knee, let’s see how he is on Saturday.

“Shane’s a little bit longer. Hopefully he’ll be back in training again next week. I wouldn’t say he’s been breaking down, but the operation he had in his groin is causing him more of a problem than his hernia had and has taken a while to heal.

“Alex Lacey has improved and hasn’t had to go through surgery, but I couldn’t say definitely when he’ll be available to train and play.”

One selection that is without doubt for the trip to Field Mill is between the posts as Kevin Pilkington will be number one for the remainder of the competition.

Money said: “I’ve said all season that I think we’ve got two fantastic goalkeepers. He’s come in this competition already against Gloucester and Guiseley and arguably been man of the match.

“I think it’s very important that we take this opportunity to give him valuable match practice at a high level.

“He’s important behind the back four. He’s got great experience and it’s common sense to keep him involved.”

There was also good news regarding winger Robbie Willmott, who along with Paul Carden is cup-tied for the FA Trophy, but is available again after recovering from a thigh problem. Money added: “Robbie Willmott will be fit for Tuesday, he trained with us and is fine.”

A HOMELESS worker from Luton will be mingling with the stars at the V-inspired awards in London next Friday.

Luke Bland, who works for charity LAMP, was nominated for setting up a football team for LAMP’s clients.

The 26-year-old won the regional final for outstanding contribution to youth volunteering and is now in the national final on March 17.

Luke said: “It’s really nice to be recognised for something. I was nominated by one of the players and if I win it will be for them.

“The other two finalists have done some amazing things and a football team doesn’t seem like much in comparison but for some of the players it’s all they have.”

Luke said: “I am really excited. I have watched people perform at the 02 and I never in a million years thought I would be attending an awards ceremony there. There’s going to be so many celebrities there which makes me quite nervous.

“I’ve got no idea who I’m going to take with me or what to wear but I need to make sure I look dapper.”

When Luke started working for LAMP three years ago, he realised there was not much for the clients to do.

He said football gives them self-esteem and confidence.

Luke, who was once a client himself, has seen his footballers go from strength to strength, and last year one of his players even represented England in the Homelessness World Cup in Brazil.

Luke said: “I want to develop the project into a national homeless league so that the players can travel around and meet other people in similar circumstances to them.”

“Football is just something that people can relate to. This is the first project I’ve done and I’m really happy it has gone so well.”

Selection dilemma awaits Money

LUTON Town manager Richard Money faces a balancing act over what side to select for Sunday afternoon’s FA Trophy semi-final first leg at Blue Square Bet Premier rivals Mansfield Town, writes Mike Simmonds.

The Hatters are back in league action on Tuesday night when they visit Cambridge United, but with Town just two games away from a Wembley final appearance, Money hinted he will select a strong team for the visit to Field Mill.

He said: “We want to go to Wembley. For once everyone should put themselves in the position of the manager, because it could be argued that Tuesday is far more important than Sunday.

“But we want to go to Wembley, we want to take the supporters to Wembley. It’s a difficult balancing act, and we’ll have to see where we go.

“I think our players are professional enough. They can play two games in three days, they play it at Easter and did it earlier in the year. As long as it doesn’t happen too often, it shouldn’t be too much of a problem.”

The fact that the match has been moved to Sunday did still irk Money somewhat, but he is expecting a good advert for Conference football between his side and the Stags.

The boss continued: “When the draw was made we were all happy that we wouldn’t have to have an overnight stay, now we’ve got to go overnight which affects the players a little bit.

“A 12 o’clock kick off is never easy to plan for, but Sunday’s match shouldn’t really be a problem because there’s plenty of time between Tamworth and Mansfield. The way that we repair and recover after Sunday in readiness for Tuesday is crucial, that’s the difficult part.

“It’s a game between two of the so called bigger teams in the division. They’re one of the better teams, they’ll try and play. They play with good width and have got a bit of pace about them.

“So we’re going to have to be very good over these two games to achieve what we want to achieve.”

Being away for the first leg didn’t worry Town’s chief too much as Mansfield travel to Kenilworth Road for the second leg a week on Saturday.

He said: “I think it’s double-edged. You want to make sure you are well in contention for next weekend. If you’re in the driving seat it can make things a hell of a lot easier. So I think we’ll approach this game the same way we do every match.”

It’s not just matters concerning Luton Town that will be on the mind of Money this weekend either, as title challengers Crawley Town and AFC Wimbledon, who are both six points clear of Hatters, both have crucial games.

Leaders Crawley, travel to Fleetwood Town for a match that will see them level on games with Town, while Dons host Kidderminster, who have drawn with both Luton and the Red Devils in the past seven days.

On Tuesday, Crawley entertain Hayes & Yeading too, and Money added: “I think this week is a crucial week. We want to go to Wembley and we want to stay in contention.

“The two teams above us have difficult games. Let’s see what happens there. It will be unusual to sit on a Saturday afternoon and see things develop. Maybe their two opponents can give us a boost, and then Tuesday nights game will be extremely important.”

WEMBLEY winner Claude Gnakpa is is fully focused on tonight’s league trip to Cambridge United despite the fact there is an FA Trophy semi-final second leg lurking on the horizon, writes Mark Wood.

Town could book a return to the home of English football if they can overturn the 1-0 lead Mansfield have on Saturday, but Gnakpa is far more concerned with the job in hand.

On the U’s challenge tonight, he said: “In my mind I’m concentrating on Cambridge because it’s very important.

“Winning the league, that’s what we want and that’s what we work for and it’s what we want to achieve.

“We know we can achieve it and do it.

“That’s why we have to concentrate on Cambridge now and go there and win.

“It’s not easy as we have a lot of injuries.”

And he believes that Town’s large number of former Cambridge stars may help to give them the insider knowledge that could prove to be the difference.

Gnakpa added: “We have a few from Cambridge, Danny Crow, Robbie Willmott and Dan Gleeson, and I’m sure they will helps us.”

For all the news on the FA Trophy see the News/Gazette.

LUTON North MP Kelvin Hopkins was on the slide on Friday - but it wasn’t the Labour stalwart’s popularity that was taking a tumble.

Mr Hopkins joined in the fun at Ferrars Infant School, in Macaulay Road, as he helped kids cut the ribbon on a new school playground.

Work on the nursery play area began back in December, with the new playground aimed at developing learning and social interaction skills.

ADRENALINE and desire can help inspire the Hatters to victory at the Abbey stadium tonight according to star Luton midfielder Alex Lawless, write Mark Wood.

Town only played their last game on Sunday, a 1-0 defeat at Mansfield in the semi-finals of the FA Trophy, and tonight’s game coming so soon is hardly ideal preparation for Luton jaded stars.

But Lawless, 28, is relishing the opportunity to put things right so swiftly.

He said: “The facts are we are 48 hours from playing the last game. We may feel the physical side just a little bit.

“But we can overcome that with wanting to win.

“If any footballer loses a game on a Saturday they can’t wait for the next to put it right.

“It’s come quicker than usual, but from a personal point of view it’s a good thing.”

And with Luton large contingent of former U’s he admitted this game may have a little more spice to it than usual.

Lawless continued: “I suppose there will be an extra bit of spice, but there’s a lot riding on all the games.

“We’ve got a really good squad and we need that to be competing in the two competitions like we are.”

And he admitted that none of the players can let their performances slip, adding: “As a player you know you can’t let your performance drop a little bit because there’s always someone waiting and it’s good for the team.”

COUNCIL chiefs will be taking questions on the future of the Old Drill Hall site in High Town at a public meeting next week.

The sale of the Old Bedford Road site was suspended last week after councillors decided plans needed to be reconsidered in the light of new policy guidance from central government.

The meeting takes place on Thursday, March 24, at 6.30pm at St Matthew’s Primary School in Cobden Street in Luton, and council leader Hazel Simmons and chief executive Trevor Holden will be taking questions.

A petition was handed in to Luton Borough Council on Monday by members of campaign group House the People, who want the site to be used for affordable housing.

Blue Square Bet Premier Cambridge United (0) 0 Luton Town (0) 0

LUTON Town lost further ground in the race for the Blue Square Bet Premier title after this 0-0 draw at lowly Cambridge United tonight, writes Mike Simmonds.

The hosts hadn’t won at home in the league since November 27 and went into the game on a run of one win in 12, but easily held the Hatters at arm’s length, as Town slipped 11 points behind leaders Crawley Town.

As indicated before the game, boss Richard Money made a number of changes from Sunday’s FA Trophy game, five in total, and sprung a number of surprises, none more so than Adam Newton coming in for his first start since September 25.

Hatters’ ex-U’s of Danny Crow, Paul Carden and Robbie Wilmott all reclaimed their places, with Crow and Carden booed mercilessly throughout.

The first 25 minutes was an instantly forgettable affair, with Liam Hughes’ shot that dribbled wide, the only chance of note.

Hatters thought they had the lead on 27 minutes when Wilmott’s fierce free-kick was headed towards goal by Zdenek Kroca but thundered against the underside of the bar and away with visiting players protesting to no avail that the ball had crossed the line.

United finally created their first significant opening on 35 minutes as Hughes drove forward, but fired a 20-yarder straight at Mark Tyler.

Wilmott should have put Hatters ahead on 38 minutes after a fine run by Newton who beat two men and slipped the ball into the winger’s path, but his slide-rule shot flashed across goal.

Cambridge came on strong in the latter stages of the half as Danny Wright’s header from a corner looped on to the top of the bar, before David Partridge slammed the rebound well over.

They then had the chance of the half when Carden lost the ball in midfield and Wright was sent clean through only to shank his effort horribly wide with just Tyler to beat.

Cambridge’s fans were cheering a goal moments before half time as Luke Berry’s spectacular overhead volley flew past Tyler, but the referee had already blown for a handball.

Kevin Roberts also came close, when his cross whizzed inches wide, as the travelling Hatters fans voiced their displeasure at the interval.

Those thoughts were obviously felt by Money, who had Claude Gnakpa and Alex Lawless stripped and sent out during half time to warm up, replacing Carden and Newton.

Luton’s team also appeared well before the start of the second period, no doubt with Money’s words ringing in their ears.

The visitors started brightly too as Luke Graham’s cross was headed goalwards by Lloyd Owusu and tipped over by Simon Brown, while Gnakpa sent his header straight at the keeper.

Cambridge had another goal ruled out with 55 minutes on the clock as a free-kick was pumped into the box and Mark Bentley, who was clambering all over Gnakpa headed across for Wright to bundle home. Referee Mark Heywood initially awarded the goal, but a linesman’s flag rightly chalked the strike off.

United were a far more potent threat and a poor ball by Wilmott released Hughes, who teed up Jordan Patrick. The winger’s shot was fumbled by Tyler, but Hughes could only prod his follow up wide.

Hatters had another excellent chance on 66 minutes when Owusu was gifted possession, but scuffed wide from 18 yards, before Gnakpa’s audacious shot was held by Brown.

The hosts always had a willing outlet in Wright, but thankfully his radar remained awry, after being found by Hughes’ wonderful pass.

With the game opening up, Gnakpa and Wright traded efforts that flew wide, while the Cambridge striker spanked another effort off target.

As time ticked on, Keith Keane’s blast was palmed aside by Brown and Gnakpa’s header flew over as Money was left to reflect on another frustrating evening, while the home side’s fans celebrated as if they had won the league.