HENGISTBURY Head Centre supporters are being urged to “show how much they care” by pledging money to a community group looking to take over the threatened facility.

The Hengistbury Centre Community Interest Company (CIC) is looking to issue debentures to boost its bid to run the popular outdoor centre.

The CIC, which was set up by prominent community members, wants to run the Hengistbury Head Centre on a not-for-profit, open to everyone basis.

Paul Clarke, chairman of the CIC, said they were looking for local people and businesses to invest in lots of £500.

Each debenture will allow the holder a free course session per year for the next five years, while company or family debentures of £5,000 or over will allow the holder one corporate or family day per year for five years.

Interest on the debentures will be payable at a rate of two per cent of the total and will be repaid in full after five years. The CIC is also seeking contributions from people who would rather make a straightforward donation.

If the CIC is unsuccessful in its bid to run the facility, all money will be returned.

He said: “We know how supportive local residents are of the Hengistbury Centre – over 2,000 people signed the online petition calling on the council to keep the centre open and hundreds more than signed the paper petitions.

“More than 20 local schools have confirmed that they want to continue to use the centre and we are in talks with many other groups who want to use the facilities at this unique site.

“Now is the time for residents and businesses to show how much they care by purchasing debentures or making a donation.”

Full details are available on the CIC’s website www.hengistbury.com.