The club met the Tuesday deadline with the Ryman League but it became clear from the agreement that club officials are still on 'probation' with landlord Mid Sussex District Council.

Hillians have been given only a one-season lease for 2008-9, although they hope to agree a longer one early next year.

The club's outstanding rent has been paid and they are discussing with the council what work must be done to satisfy the agreement.

Club chairman Kevin Newell and fellow director Clive Dryden met with Cllr Gordon Marples, leader of Mid Sussex District Council, Cllr Garry Wall, cabinet member for leisure and outdoor services, and senior council officers to discuss a way forward for the club.

The discussions, driven by the urgent need for the club to be able to confirm to the Ryman League that they will be in a position to fulfil their fixtures next season, were described as "frank and constructive."

The council said that breaches of planning requirements had previously soured relationships and this, in turn, had adversely impacted on sections of the local community, the club's players and supporters.

In a statement the council said: "Agreement was reached on various repairs and improvements that need to be carried out and the council's officers will work immediately with the directors to agree a realistic programme to be completed before the start of next season. This will include work on the floodlights, safety lighting and general maintenance.

The council will also work closely with the club on longer-term projects to restore existing facilities at the ground to appropriate standards.

To enable the club to continue playing, the council intends to grant a new, short-term lease to commence when the present one expires in mid October this year."

The two organisations are set to co-operate on finding a new ground for Hillians, who have suggested a site near the Goddards Green roundabout off the A2300.

The council said: "Mid Sussex District Council and Burgess Hill Town Football Club recognise that a key objective is to find a suitable long-term home for the club. Every effort will be made by both parties to find an alternative, permanent home for the football club as part of the District Council's Core Strategy work."

Mr Marples, who chaired the meeting at Haywards Heath, said: "Both sides entered into discussions with a determination to put recent problems to one side and to secure the long-term future of the district's most senior football club, which has a century and a quarter of history behind it.

"We identified issues which need to be addressed and who will be responsible for them. I believe we have struck a new understanding on how we will work together in future, to the benefit of everyone associated with the club and, equally important, local residents and the wider community.

"Mutual trust has been restored and both parties know where they stand and share an understanding of what needs to be done."
Kevin Newell was looking forward to the new season and progressing the club's search to move to a new home in just over two years.
Mr Newell said: "Our talks with the council were both open and positive and I am pleased with the outcome.

"Much needs to be done to get things where we want them to be but we will now work closely with the council. We have given that commitment and therefore have confidence that the Ryman League will now agree to the Hillians competing next season. We will know finally after the next of the league's regular board meetings.

"There are no winners or losers in any of this. There has been give and take on both sides and, looking ahead, I hope that those people who offered us such great support in the past few weeks will now come forward to help us secure the club's long-term future.

"We need the community to work with us and know what it expects from us in return."