THE owners of sports facilities at Chapel Gate have reassured users they will be allowed to stay if the site is sold to Bournemouth University (BU).

The 69-acre site near Bournemouth airport is currently home to eight different sports clubs and is used by thousands of people from within the local community every week.

Bournemouth Rugby has voiced fears that the proposed sale leaves them with no guarantees for the future and puts their club "at risk.".

But owners the Bournemouth and District Recreational Charity said every club has a guarantee it can stay for at least 35 years.

Trustee Brian Ford told the Daily Echo the charity received six offers when it decided to sell Chapel Gate.

He said trustees selected Bournemouth University because "it was the one that gave the best deal for everybody."

He said BU plans to invest in facilities at the site and that the majority of users are looking forward to the sale.

The site is set to be sold to BU by the end of March.

A new company will be formed to oversee the facility after the sale and the freehold will belong to BU.

Mr Ford said BU intends to give users a lease of 35 years initially, to be followed by a further lease period.

He added: "There will be no increase in charges for the use of the facilities in the first year and, after that, charges will be negotiated on an annual basis, as they are now."

The future of the popular Bournemouth Sevens festival is also secure, said Mr Ford.

A statement from the Board of Trustees reveals that BU intends to make improvements in the first two years, including a new astroturf facility, improvements to flood lighting and car parking and health and safety improvements to buildings.

A spokesman for the university said: "Bournemouth University (BU) and The Bournemouth & District Recreational Charity (BDRC), owners of Bournemouth Sports Club, are engaged in a period of negotiation for BU to purchase the freehold of the Chapel Gate site near Bournemouth Airport. These negotiations are ongoing.

"BU has been a key user of the Chapel Gate site for several years, alongside the sporting sections and community clubs that use the facility. We have a track record of supporting local sport and developing community sport in the region which BU will continue once the negotiations are finalised to ensure the site remains an active sports facility."