THE BIG kick-off towards establishing sporting facilities at Strawberry Field, Lyme Regis, has taken place with the town council sanctioning an agreement with the Football club - the only organisation currently expressing an interest in the site.

The deal now leaves the football club clear to seek planning permission in support of its application for funding from the Football Foundation, estimated to cost £750,000.

The club has been granted a 25-year tenancy at an annual rental of £50, with the right to transfer the lease to a trust at the appropriate time. The operation of the multi games area will be the subject of a separate agreement between the club and the council.

The council agreed to the setting up of Lyme Regis Sports Advisory Committee to encourage and support excellence in sport in the town.

For a period of three years from the start of operating a clubhouse at Strawberry Field, the football club will give10 per cent of its bar profits to the sports advisory committee, if in existence. If not, the money will go to the town council to back sport.

The town council will match fund the first year's contribution from the football club up to a maximum of £5,000, and the Seasiders are committed to encouraging sporting activities at the ground, providing they do not impinge on the playing of soccer.

"We must make a move on a decision because the football club wants to know where it stands," Mayor Ken Dibben told the council.

Coun Stan Williams aired concerns about Parking facilities, questioning whether they would be sufficient once activities at the ground had expanded, and again complained about lack of detail over the possible number of vehicles to be accommodated.

"I am worried whether we are going to have sufficient spaces," he said. "We must not make the fatal mistake of not having enough."

Town clerk Michael Lewis said the number of square metres would go up from the existing 1,500 to 6,400, with Coun Michaela Ellis estimating this equated to 172 spaces.

Coun Ken Whetlor said the Strawberry field project would benefit all age groups, encouraging other sports, such as hockey, tennis and skate boarding. Parking would be adequate, the priority being the provision of a recreational area - not a car park.

The mayor said: "There just has to be co-operation and common sense between us all."

Coun Ayvin Rogers had concerned about provision for other sports, saying if the football club: "If the football club is going to control and manage the site, what other organisations are going to be involved?

"I am worried that the football club may be taking on more than it can deal with, given that its main interest is soccer."

Coun Nigel Clarke said he understood the football club's predicament because of the unstable condition of the Davey Fort ground, and he applauded its initiative.

"However, we must not be seen to be supporting one club only," he added. "If a local women's hockey club comes along, for instance, it must have as much right to space. We need to make provision for that."

Coun Whetlor said the site would be big enough to meet such a demand, with Coun Lorna Jenkin adding: "The football club is leading the funding. There is no way the council can do it. We must do all we can to help the club."