AN OPEN forum is being held by Bournemouth Athletics Club following last week's reports that AFC Bournemouth are planning to build a new stadium in King's Park.

The meeting, taking place tonight (Thursday, July 20) from 7.30pm, will see members, friends and supporters of the athletics club put their questions to representatives from Bournemouth Borough Council and England Athletics.

The athletics centre in King's Park was opened in 1960 and the club currently has over 400 members, with club officials stating the venue serves thousands of athletes every year.

The club's chairman, Robin James, is pleased to have the support of the council in maintaining athletics facilities in King's Park.

"We have got a good dialogue with the council, which has built up over recent years. As a club we've been talking to England Athletics, councillors, and council staff in the parks department and getting positive responses," Mr James said.

"A lot of our members are football supporters, some are season ticket holders at AFC Bournemouth. We're not against the football club but there needs to be facilities for both of us in King's Park.

"Going forward we need a team of people making it clear we're committed to keeping athletics in the park. This is a huge opportunity for the club."

Richard Ayling, club support manager south west for England Athletics, said: "England Athletics will be fully supportive of the steering groups aims to maintain the existing facility or sort an alternative agreement for a new facility.

"From an athletics perspective, it is essential that we do not lose facilities as it would negatively impact the sport and reduce participation, club membership and competition in the area."

The athletics club has grown through a number of legacy projects since the London 2012 Olympic Games, with 120 children taking part in the sport every week.

The club also has over 100 people looking to join, who are currently on a waiting list.

On the future of athletics in King's Park, Bournemouth Borough Council Leader John Beasley said: "We understand the athletics stadium is a well-used facility which has grown in popularity amongst many groups including Bournemouth Athletics Club, those taking part in the park run, school sports days and town sports.

"We continue to support the presence of this facility at King's Park as it plays an important role in encouraging and promoting sports, physical activity, and health and wellbeing in adults and children alike."