Wellington notched up a hard-earned victory this week when anti-vandal shutters were finally approved for the Wellington Playing Field stand.

A unanimous vote was taken by Taunton Deane councillors in favour of allowing the £5,000 crime-fighting scheme to go ahead.

The news will be music to the ears of local councillors, Andrew Govier and Ross Henley who have campaigned alongside the County Gazette to compile a 500-signature petition in support of the measures.

At a tense and hostile meeting, the Deane's review board was charged with deciding the result of a 'call-in' by Conservative executive member for leisure, Cllr Dilly Bradley, who believed the money could be better spent elsewhere.

She believed the original decision to approve the shutters, made by her predecessor, LibDem Cllr Ross Henley, also flew in the face of officers' recommendations. But the board members - including six Conservatives - voted in favour of the shutters, and called on Mrs Bradley to further investigate youth issues in Wellington.

Celebrating the news, Mr Henley told the County Gazette: "This is great news for Wellington and I feel my decision and reputation have been vindicated."

Ken Bird, chairman of Wellington Football Club, which uses the Playing Field and stand to host home games, said: "We are naturally delighted with the decision. We would like to thank the review board for giving the shutters such a full and frank airing, and coming up with a highly satisfactory outcome for Wellington."

Others needed confirmation that the building was owned by the council and not by Wellington FC.

Mr Henley concluded: "It is just a shame that a lot of people's time has been wasted considering this issue over the past few months."