BASILDON Council will have to pay £45,000 to developers should the £30million sporting village collapse.
Three firms have been shortlisted for the contract, but the winning bidder will not now be announced until March.
In the meantime, each firm has asked for the costs of drawing up plans, about £15,000, to be covered by the council should the plug get pulled on the scheme.
However, council leader Malcolm Buckley insists the project is not in danger, despite the financial downturn.
FULL REPORT IN WEDNESDAY'S ECHO
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