Tails will be wagging with joy at Gables – a patch of land near the cats and dog home is to be transferred to the charity after the Council stepped in to buy the land.
Late last year National Highways put up for sale a section of grass verge outside the charity’s premises in Merafield Road, sparking concern from the charity and its many supporters.
National Highways had intended to put the site up for auction, but the Council can today confirm it has agreed terms to buy the land off market on behalf of Gables. The land was independently valued on behalf of the council and National Highways and both have now agreed to the transaction.
The Council has secured the land for Gables who have agreed to underwrite the costs and will acquire the site for the price paid by the Council together with professional fees. The price is currently confidential but will be made public on completion at the Land Registry.
Councillor Chris Penberthy, cabinet member responsible for assets said: “This is unusual but as a public organisation we were able to step in and help.
“We were able to buy the land before it went on the market, which meant the cost to the charity was very low. The charity does an incredible job and we wanted to remove this unnecessary worry. It was a transaction that will cost the taxpayer nothing, but will make a lot of supporters very happy.”