LAST-MINUTE negotiations over the future of Minehead's Irnham Road football ground brought a dramatic end to the deadlock this week.
As a secret meeting at which Minehead Town Council would discuss the issue drew closer on Tuesday night, negotiators for the Richards Group upped their offer from £10,000 to £15,000.
Council negotiators agreed to match the offer and a deal that will see the Town Council take back the lease on buildings at the ground was struck, subject to contract.
Chief negotiator for the town council Simon Stokes said: "This agreement gives us a mandate to move forward. £30,000 enables us to make the buildings safe, dry and secure.
The council is now looking for partners to form a consortium in order to get funding to develop the ground as a proper facility for the town. "It has been a long drawn out process but I think we have got a good deal for Minehead."
Rod Price, chief executive of the Richards Group, said: "We are delighted to work with the council and to kickstart the development of sporting facilities at the ground."
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