COUNCILLORS have agreed to further negotiations with Hartlepool United Football Club over its Victoria Park ground.
A committee, chaired by Councillor Robbie Payne, met yesterday to consider a request from the club to buy the ground.
Councillor Payne said: "The committee agreed to open up talks with Hartlepool United and we are looking forward to listening to their proposals.
"We do recognise the tremendous benefits that a successful football club bring to a town, but any deal must be right for all parties - that includes Hartlepool United, Hartlepool Borough Council and the community."
Mark Simpson, media manager for Hartlepool Football Club, said: "The owners and club are pleased the council decided to reopen talks and believe a positive outcome can be achieved for the benefit of the club, the council and the town of Hartlepool."
The Victoria Park site, in Clarence Road, is owned by the council and leased to the club.
The club's request follows the council's decision last year to decline an offer from the club to buy the land. At that time, the council decided that a sale would be premature, given the potential for significant redevelopment of the area around Victoria Park.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article