SPORTS clubs threatened with eviction from their long-term venue have been told their future is secure.

King Harold School, in Broomstick Hall Road, Waltham Abbey, has confirmed that clubs using its sports centre will not be affected by the district council's withdrawal from a joint-use agreement.

Epping Forest District Council had announced it would be withdrawing funding from the centre in January next year while it concentrates on building a new facility on the Roundhills estate.

Existing clubs at Waltham Abbey Sports Centre had feared that would mean the end of their stay, but King Harold has now said that will not be the case.

School chair of governors Maryanne Fleming said: “We are really keen to have them there. EFDC have withdrawn the funding put into the joint agreement. That's fine, but we had to look at a way of continuing with the agreement without costing the school money that's there for education.

“It's not going to cost us anything. It's not like a gym where people can book a few hours. People have to be part of a group, but that's always been the case. As far as we are concerned it's business as usual. If other groups would like to find out they can contact us. Those already there shouldn't worry about it.”