Tour de Farce

They claim to have been inconvenienced during the six years the stadium was built and on match days since
it opened and believe the owners should give something back to the community.

On Tuesday, Wembley National Stadium Limited began regular 90-minute tours of the stadium which cost
£15 for an adult.

Residents had been hoping for a discount but were told this week it was not possible.

It was another blow for campaigners who have been writing to the operators since the stadium opened in March asking for reductions in ticket prices.

Favi Marini, of Mostyn Avenue, said: "This is another example of the stadium not being neighbourly. There was the community event for the opening in March but not everyone could go and many have not been inside it yet.

"We have put up with them for six years and even now some people are disturbed by the noise of their extractor fans. We had to pay to park in our own roads on match days, but they have never shown us gratitude for being good about it.

"I would hope that they will at least invite local schools for free."

In July, the Observer approached a senior stadium official about the possibility of a second community day or reduced ticket prices for residents and was told the stadium was looking into the possibility of distributing tickets to the Charity Shield football match in August. However, this never happened.

Councillor Peter Corcoran (Liberal Democrat), whose Tokyngton ward includes the stadium, said: "This is
completely wrong and will put people's backs up.

"It would not cost them anything to let local people in for half price and it would be seen as a great gesture by all the people who have suffered because of years of construction work and the problems that come with match days."

Highlights of the new tour include the Bobby Moore statue, changing rooms, dug outs, the royal box and the
Stadium Store, a souvenir shop which was opened this week.

Kirsty Bowles, stadium spokeswoman said: "We are not offering any tours to local residents at any other
rate. I'm not sure that any other stadiums do. We have worked closely with residents at every stage of the construction and operation of the stadium and will continue to do so."