BOURNEMOUTH athletics stadium has a future in Kings Park - despite AFC Bournemouth announcing plans to build a new stadium on land currently occupied by the track.

The Premier League club released a statement late on Thursday detailing their ambition to relocate for the start of the 2020 season.

Concerns have been raised over how any potential move within Kings Park would impact on the athletics stadium.

Cllr John Beesley, Leader of Bournemouth Borough Council, 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 Kings Park as it plays an important role in encouraging and promoting sports, physical activity, and health and wellbeing in adults and children alike.

“As part of the planning process we will work with AFC Bournemouth to undertake an additional feasibility study into the potential relocation of the athletics stadium. This will involve discussions with all interested parties to ensure the needs of the club are met, alongside those of users of the park and the local community.”

The club's plan to build a new home in sight of their current stadium was reported by the Daily Echo early last week, whilst yesterday the council dismissed any move to buy Vitality Stadium from landlords Structadene.

Tony Maycock, chairman of Cherries Trust, stressed the importance of both fans and the community having a voice in the stadium plans.

"It's not just the fans' opinions that need to be heard, it's local residents as well. Whatever is impacted by a new stadium needs to still offer the same services, but ideally even better facilities," Mr Maycock said.

"If the club and the council work with all parties to get it right I would hope everyone would see it is a good thing to have the new stadium in Kings Park."

On working together for the benefit of the everyone, Cllr David Smith, who is a Cherries supporter, said: "I'm sure if there is a will, there is a way. It's always been a community club and should be the case with the new stadium."

AFC Bournemouth supporters are calling on the club to let them give their views on the new stadium.

Following weeks of speculation Cherries revealed they would be pursuing a plan to build a new home within Kings Park.

Tony Maycock, chairman of Cherries Trust, hoped the stadium was an opportunity to build further bridges between supporters and the club.

"The view of the supporters is immensely important. We have made reference to retaining the links with the past and the fans are a massive part of the history of the club," Mr Maycock said.

"It's vital we're involved with the plans. If the stadium is there the fans will be there.

"The match day experience is talked about a lot in football now and keeping that right, improving what is there and having a lot more to offer is crucial."

In a statement reacting to the news the trust hoped to see safe standing as part of the conversation.

Cllr David Smith said: "I think most Cherries fans will be delighted that the stadium is staying in the park, which has been the home of the club for over 100 years."