THE wait is over for the Seasiders!

Demolition work on the north and west stands of Bloomfield Road will begin on Monday (June 26) following the decision by Blackpool Borough Council to lease the land north of the ground.

The news means that the new multi-million pound Bloomfield Road stadium development can begin its first phase.

Speaking after the meeting at the town hall, council leader George Bancroft confirmed that the council are to lease the land to the club at a peppercorn rent, so demolishing work can begin after the weekend.

However, the club cannot begin any building work until legal aspects have been put in order, and Coun Bancroft said full approval is expected around July 12.

He went on to say: "It is a great day for Blackpool and Blackpool supporters.

"The whole party supported the matter and there were no dissenters. It's great to see the scheme is finally getting off the ground." And chairman of Blackpool Football Club, Karl Oyston, pictured here, shared the sentiment when he said: "I am delighted about the news. The co-operation from the council has been fantastic from day one and both they and the club are happy with the framework of the deal.

"The dream is finally going to come true." He added that in return for the peppercorn lease of the land the council will receive some financial return in the future.

The council has also sold a strip of land just south of the club for £50,000, which is to be the site for a new nightclub and hotel, profits from which will be pumped back into the new development.

The issue of a £160,000 council loan to the club back in 1986 was also resolved at the meeting.

Mr Oyston said: "We have agreed to pay back the loan in full over the next 4 years."

The council is also expected to spend something in the region of £700,000 on improving access to the stadium and other facilities alongside Seaside Way, a main route into the resort for fans and toursits.

Blackpool will recieve £800,000 from an internet deal next season with NTL.

Every Nationwide club gets the same and the company will create a home page through which fans can access indivcidual clubs.

Manager Steve McMahon's search for a striker is getting harder.

Macca has ruled out any move for Bosman player Marco Gabbiadini, who has allegedly been offered a huge £3,000 per week to play for non-league Doncaster Rovers.

And transfer target Luke Beckett has been snatched by Chesterfield from Chester City, who were relegated from the Football League at the end of last season.

Seasiders.net, an Internet site for Tangerine fans, could be linking up with Sierra Leone side Mighty Blackpool. The club plays in orange, black and white and has enjoyed considerably more success than its English counterpart, winning its national league for the past three seasons.

Former Seasiders star Marvin Bryan has joined Second Division Rotherham from Bury after just 12 months at Gigg Lane. Bury are said to be more than surprised by Bryan's refusal to sign new terms offered to the wing back.