Thanet council could take more legal advice about the finances of the American company that wants to be its partner in a forced buyout of Manston airport.

A report due to be discussed by the authority’s Ukip cabinet next week (Tuesday) says it has asked three law firms to advise how much it would cost to examine the financial credentials of RiverOak.

The work is expected to cost the taxpayer at least £10,000 and the bill could rise still further as the council says it may need extra advice from accountants and specialist lawyers.

UKIP council leader Cllr Chris Wells said the authority was taking sensible steps to satisfy itself that Riveroak was a viable business in the event it decided to team up with it as an indemnity partner.

Mr Wells said: “It is in my opinion,what the council [under Labour] should have done in the first place.”

RiverOak met with council officials and Mr Wells last week when the company presented further information about its finances.

While it has offered to meet all the legal costs should it become the council’s indemnity partner, that proposal does not cover the council costs at this stage.

The report to cabinet next Tuesday (14) says three major law firms have been approached to bid for the work.

This would include assessing what information the council would need to satisfy itself RiverOak had “sufficient financial resources and standing” to indemnify the council in any CPO (Compulsory Purchase Order).

It follows the recent publication of a government report which reviewed how the former Labour-run council had come to its decision not to proceed with a CPO. That report said the council should have taken more external advice before doing so.

Meanwhile, Cllr Wells said he has visited Wynyard Park in Teeside, which is owned by the businessmen who bought Manston Airport.

“I promised I would go. It is clear they are successful landlords in the context of the development there. I had some questions around their finances but these were answered.”