A COMMUNITY group bidding to take over the Hengistbury Head Centre has been boosted by messages of support from schools, health bosses and residents’ groups.

More than 40 local schools have written letters of support to the Hengistbury Centre Community Interest Company (CIC), expressing their wish to continue to visit the outdoor education centre in the future.

NHS Bournemouth and Poole has also written to the CIC backing its aim of encouraging children to get active.

Should the CIC emerge from the current tendering process as the successful bidder, it intends to implement an outdoor activity referral service, with local GPs being able to refer patients to the Hengistbury Centre to take part in activities.

Lindley Owen, consultant in public health, said they had identified areas within Bournemouth and Poole where health needs were particularly high and additional services were needed to reduce the health gap.

He said: “What the PCT would welcome most from a revitalised Hengistbury Centre would be a sustained commitment to recruit substantial numbers of users under 10 years of age, targeting schools in wards of highest deprivation.”

The Civic Society, which works to conserve the town’s historical and architectural heritage and seek good quality development for the future, is also supporting the CIC and has pledged to purchase a £500 debenture if it is the successful bidder.

More details about the debenture scheme can be found online at hengistbury.com.