by Danny Boyle

Ebbsfleet United’s ground has been bought by Gravesham council in what could be the biggest save in the club’s history.

The keys to Stonebridge Road are set to be handed over after senior councillors agreed a deal for about £400,000.

Fleet bosses and supporters were trying to scrape together the funds to buy the Northfleet ground themselves before it went under the hammer at a public auction later this month.

But the council has stepped in at the 11th hour to buy the freehold from landowners Land Securities – and will secure the club’s future by giving it a lease thought to be for about 100 years.

Ebbsfleet chairman Duncan Holt said: "This is enormous news for the club."

Council leader Cllr Mike Snelling said: “We have taken decisive action to resolve a huge problem which was threatening the very existence of our local football club."

The council will charge only a peppercorn rent of £1 a year, saving the club £5,000 annually.

For more details pick up a copy of this week's Gravesend Messenger newspaper.