CONTROVERSIAL moves to use £6.5m of taxpayers money to buy the lease of the Rose Bowl stadium were tonight given the green light.

Eastleigh Borough Councillors rubber stamped moves that will see the authority buy the 999-year lease of the cricket ground's land and buildings.

Separate plans have already been approved by the council to fund a £30m hotel at the home of Hampshire cricket.

The Daily Echo revealed in November how the Liberal Democrat controlled council was considering the scheme.

A leaked document revealed how the financial situation at the Rose Bowl was "perilous".

Tonight members overwhelmingly supported the scheme, despite opposition from Conservatives councillors.

A time frame has yet to be set for the completion of the funding package, which is still dependent on a number of conditions being met.