THE battle to recover half a million pounds owed to Reddich Council by developer Persimmon may finally be over.

Following a showdown meeting between the company's boss, the council leader and MP Rachel Maclean, a deal has been agreed for the cash to be paid.

The cash is owed as a planning condition for permission to build homes in Redditch, including for some developments completed 10 to 20 years ago.

Rachel Maclean said: “This is a win for the residents of Redditch. Finally there is light at the end of the tunnel and these long-standing issues can be put to bed.

“I have to give credit to Persimmon for putting their hands up and admitting they got it wrong. They also apologised in the meeting for the handling of this situation and are just as keen as I and the council are to see these issues resolved."

The funds, called Section 106 money, is paid to improve the community where new homes are built and provide more facilities for an increased population.

Back in January, Mrs Maclean began working with Batchley & Brockhill Councillors, Gemma Monaco and Nyear Nazir, to resolve the issue.

Persimmon had not handed over assets including open spaces, street lights and land to Redditch Borough Council which meant the council could not carry out maintenance work.

The developer also did not have to pay Section 106 money until the assests were handed over to the council so the cash stayed in the company's coffers.

Under the new deal Persimmon will maintain the assets until the council takes over and claims the money.

Councillor Gemma Monaco said: “I am delighted with the outcome of this meeting. However, we cannot remain complacent - we need to keep the pressure on Persimmon to quickly get all remedial and maintenance work completed as a matter of urgency.

"It’s a shame it has taken so long for Persimmon to acknowledge their delays with this issue and they now need to be true to their word and deliver what they have promised.

"We also need to put in measures to ensure that this never happens again.”