HALSTEAD Town Council is preparing to discuss the purchase of a new mower to help maintain the fields in the area… and it could cost more than £10,000.

At the next monthly council meeting, the agenda has revealed the senior groundsman has requested a replacement mower for cutting grass on playing fields.

The existing mower is 22 years old, with the council saying it needs a lot of work to be done to it in order to make it useful again.

The groundsman has requested a Ransome 214 as he is familiar with the machine and considers it best for the job.

The current Ransomes 214 has always been stored in a container, for security and care of the machinery.

More expensive machines have also been considered but would not fit in the container.

The council received three quotes for three brands of mowers, these being a Ransomes 214 for £13,000, the Ransomes Highways for £37,750 and £25,500 for a Jacobsen TR320.

In all cases, the old mower would be bought in part exchange for £500.

The recommendation is for the council to agree to purchase the Ransomes 214 out of capital reserves, or out of earmarked reserves, and the matter will be discussed fully at the council meeting next Monday.