SEDGEMOOR has been given a massive £5million cashback fby supermarket giant Tesco after it pulled out of the deal to build on the town’s Northgate site.

It has been revealed that Sedgemoor District Council has been handed £5.3million and the county council £3.5million by the supermarket giant.

A Sedgemoor spokesman said just over £4million will be used to pay off the money it borrowed to build the Trinity Sports and Leisure centre.

“It will announce in the summer how it will spend the remaining £1million. Somerset Council added it had not yet decided how to spend its windfall.

The deal was struck amid secrecy but Sedgemoor was forced to break its confidentiality agreement with Tesco after receiving Freedom of Information requests. The total settlement figure comes to £8,886,700 and both councils say they are pleased with the payout.

Cllr Duncan McGinty, leader of Sedgemoor District Council, said: “This successful outcome reflects the dedication of senior councillors and officers in negotiating an excellent compensation package.

“We still retain the site ownership with the county council and will now look to consult on the best use of this area for the future.”

Cllr Mick Lerry, leader of Sedgemoor Labour group, agreed the payout was a good result for the council but he admitted to being frustrated throughout the process.

He said: “It’s been very difficult because the Labour group has always been against selling off the land.

“Hopefully the failure of this deal will mean that everyone takes their time and really considers what is best for the town.

“We’ve always been of the opinion that it should be used for leisure – somewhere that will get people into Bridgwater and allow them to spend some time here.”