A LEADING union has called for Tottenham Hotspur FC to ditch ideas of moving to the Olympic Stadium and commit its future to Haringey.

Spurs chiefs announced today they had officially declared an interest in taking charge of the Newham venue after the 2012 Olympic Games.

It comes just a day after Haringey Council approved plans to redevelop White Hart Lane - which would be a major catalyst for regeneration in the area - but the club said it was “prudent” to investigate all options for the future.

The move has been condemned by Haringey Trade Unions Council, who said the club is placing Tottenham's economy in peril.

Keith Flett, chairman of Haringey TUC, said today: “There have inevitably some issues with the plans for the new Spurs stadium at White Hart Lane but these have got the green light to proceed at this stage.

“It may be prudent for Spurs to register an interest in the Olympic stadium. It would be more prudent for them to reaffirm their commitment to the people of Tottenham.”

The unions are worried for Tottenham, which already has the highest unemployment rate in London with more than 6,000 people receiving Job Seekers' Allowance in August, and should the club move out of the borough this could exacerbate the situation.

Tottenham MP David Lammy has already hit out at the club's announcement, saying fans would not forgive a move away from the area.

The Labour representative said: “It seems entirely wrong-headed to be directing efforts to a stadium on the other side of London when there is a fantastic opportunity to redevelop their home into a world-class stadium.

"Football clubs belong at the heart of their communities – Tottenham fans would never forgive Spurs if they walk out of White Hart Lane."

Tottenham joined fellow Premier League side West Ham in declaring an interest in the Olympic Stadium before yesterday's deadline.