A POPULAR sports complex in Yate has been saved by two groups after the trust, who currently run the centre, revealed they are ending their contract later this year.


The news that Circadian Trust, the group who run the Yate Outdoor Sports Complex (YOSC), on Broad Lane, was terminating their contract sparked concern amongst residents that the well-used facility would close altogether.


The trust will not be renewing its contract, which ends on October 31, for the popular complex, which provides all-weather surface athletics facilities, a club room and boxing club building, on land partly owned by Yate Town Council and partly by South Gloucestershire Council.


South Gloucestershire Council cannot afford to run the facility, so Yate Town Council and the Yate and District Athletic Club have said they will work together to save the complex.


Yate Town Councillor Chris Willmore said: “The story behind this is one of a potential disaster for young people involved in sport.


“Yate councillors have stepped in to rescue it. They are putting together a deal with the Yate and District Athletic Club and other users to make sure it is still available for local use. This is used by Brimsham Green School every day and provides full athletics facilities and has an incredibly well used all weather surface as well as a club house for local groups to use.


“We’ve had a consultant’s report on options, and are working on a business plan.


“We are absolutely committed to keeping YOSC open.”


Yate Town Council discussed the collaboration at a council meeting on April 1, and are now finalising the terms.


Jeremy Dale, vice chairman of the Yate and District Athletic Club, said: “South Gloucestershire Council approached us when the trust said they would not be renewing their contract.


“This is a great opportunity to develop the complex and the clubs who use it, and to bring in more clubs if possible, and we want it to grow especially with the athletics point of view.


“We are now finalising negotiations and looking for funding so that eventually, it could be a profitable charitable business that puts the money straight back into the complex.


“It will take a lot of work and volunteers to get it off the ground.”


Steve Webb, Lib Dem parliamentary candidate for Thornbury and Yate, who has been approached by residents worried about rumours about the future of YOSC, said: “Yate Outdoor Sports Centre has been a vital community asset for many years and we could not simply stand by and let it close.


“I am delighted that my colleagues on Yate Town Council, working with local sports clubs have put together a plan to give the centre a sustainable future.”


A South Gloucestershire Council spokesman said: “We are working with Yate Town Council and other partners to explore future options for YOSC after the current contract with Circadian Trust ends in October.


“Negotiations to date have been productive and we are hopeful that we will be able to secure a resolution to ensure that YOSC continues to provide accessible, affordable facilities for the local community.”


The Circadian Trust said it was not in a position to comment on the contract as the Gazette went to press.