Somerset County Cricket Club patron Christopher Ondaatje has given the membership their strongest hint yet that the club may remain at their town centre location by helping them to purchase the Barnicotts building and land that adjoin the County Ground, for £600,000.

Chief executive Peter Anderson said: "Mr Ondaatje has made the purchase possible by making an interest free loan to the club."

The Sri Lankan born financier has been a generous benefactor to the club said: "I am very pleased to help the club in this way. Somerset CCC is a very important and fantastic part of Somerset in particular and the South West in general. If this purchase helps the club to remain in it's traditional home I am sure all members and supporters will be thrilled."

Over the last few years there has been considerable debate regarding the future of the club's town centre site, where they have been based since 1875, and the prospect of a relocation to an out of town site has received a lukewarm reception from the majority of the clubs 7000 members.

This move by the club will be welcomed by members, and everyone who has grown up knowing the County Ground as an important part of the fabric Taunton town centre.

Mr Anderson is keen to see the club become an integral part of the town's redevelopment and over the last few months has given evidence to the Taunton Deane Planning Enquiry that is looking into the development of the town up 2011.

The Somerset boss has also given evidence to the Vision Commission for Taunton, in which he has outlined the club's hopes to dovetail their expansion with any future development plans for the adjoining Firepool and Cattle Market areas.

Mr Anderson continues: "Our base line is to establish the feasibility of selling and moving, which is why we undertook the expensive strategy of giving evidence before the Planning Inspector. Since doing so we have received several enquiries from possible development partners."

Despite the purchase of Barnicott's, the future of the club on the present site is far from assured. The chief concludes: "If anything happens between now and the planning decision at the end of the year which persuades us to stay we shall do so. Our Patron has certainly set us along the road to stay, but neither he nor the Club can achieve that alone. Whatever else, the acquisition of Barnicotts will add overall value to our site should we wish to sell and move."

Members of the club and all Somerset cricket followers will no doubt be hoping that the outcomes from the two planning groups will lend their support to the club remaining within Taunton town centre and help them in redeveloping their present site.

© SOMERSET