POOLE'S highly successful cycle speedway club is set to be handed a boost over long-term security for its established home track.

BCP Council is currently considering offering Poole Cycle Speedway Club (PCSC) a 25-year lease of the facility at Harbourside Park in Newfoundland Drive, Baiter.

The venue has been the club's home since 1980 and has hosted both national and international race meetings.

A public consultation is required before the formal disposal of the open space to PCSC can be signed off.

If the plan goes ahead, the local authority would retain the freehold ownership of the land and would be the landlord under the proposed lease.

A BCP Council spokesperson said: "The council is considering offering PCSC a longer lease to continue the future management and maintenance of the facilities on site.

"Maintenance will continue to be undertaken by club volunteers to enable continued participation and growth of the club.

"A lease of 25 years will give the club some security and enable members to attract external investment into the site."

The track and facility buildings at Harbourside Park been constructed entirely by PCSC members and have been maintained to a high standard with several improvements over the years.

The facilities at Baiter, which include two clubhouse buildings, the oval track and spectator seating, are now recognised as among the best in Britain.

Graham Sutton, PCSC chair, told the Daily Echo: "PCSC has operated at Harbourside Park, Baiter, since 1980 and thanks to the efforts of club members, the circuit is now acknowledged to be the best in the sport and the natural venue choice for national and international events.

"Senior riders have featured in many team and individual racing honours over the past four decades, inspiring an ever increasing number of younger recruits to join midweek club night and training sessions, swelling overall numbers to record levels.

"The longer term lease will enable the club to qualify for the full range of grants available to sports clubs and ensure the high standard of facilities is maintained."