MULTI-MILLION-POUND tax payer-funded bail out of the Rose Bowl moved a step closer to completion last night.

As exclusively revealed by the Daily Echo in November, behind-the-scenes discussions have taken place about the possibility of Eastleigh Borough Council ploughing £6.5m in to the home of Hampshire cricket.

We revealed a confidential report – drawn up by the council’s corporate director – that showed how up to £30m of public cash could also be used to fund a luxury hotel at the ground.

Last night, councillors had their first opportunity to discuss the situation since the leaked report revealed how the ground’s finances were “perilous”.

The authority's Resources Scrutiny Panel examined moves to buy the 999-year lease of the club’s land and buildings before leasing it back in exchange for annual rent.

They also discussed fresh plans to fund a £30m hotel development at the ground – seen as crucial to the Rose Bowl’s financial future.

Members agreed in 2009 to fund a £32m Hilton hotel at the ground.

But the new scheme would see operator Sanguine becoming involved and spending £3m on a spa facility at the hotel.

Last night, panel vice chairman John Caldwell said he opposed the £6.5m bailout, recommending that the Liberal Democrat controlled council should take the same stance.

In front of a public gallery containing around 20 people, Conservative Cllr Caldwell said: "I want the Rose Bowl to succeed, but I don't believe it should be the Eastleigh tax payer that should have to bail them out."

But he received no support from fellow members and the matter will now be decided at full council on Thursday.

In a report, council finance bosses have admitted that “it is not possible to fully insulate the council” in light of the Rose Bowl’s financial difficulties.

But the report adds: “This is perhaps the area that gives most concern but it is virtually certain that if these proposals do not progress there will be no future for the Rose Bowl.”

Council leader Keith House has always pointed to the economic and employment benefits linked to the Rose Bowl development as well as attracting top class international cricket to the region.

As previously reported, a financial watchdog has already completed one investigation and is starting a second inquiry into £1.2m that has already been ploughed in to the Rose Bowl development by the council.

The Audit Commission is investigating whether £187,000 spent in the financial year 2010/2011 was legal. It has already cleared council spending of £1.059m on the potential Rose Bowl development.

Legal threat over hotel

HOTELIERS may launch fresh legal proceedings over the council’s Rose Bowl funding plan, it was revealed last night.

As previously reported, a consortium of local hoteliers launched a legal bid after the council agreed to fund a £32m hotel at the ground in 2009.

The bid was thrown out by a High Court judge.

This decision was later appealed by the hoteliers, only for them to drop the action months later.

Last night, it was revealed how the council had received a letter from two of the three original hoteliers involved “indicating the possibility of further proceedings”.