GRAVESEND & Northfleet are finalising a bid to take control of Beauwater Sports and Leisure Club.

Owners Kimberley Clark have put the site up for sale and Fleet are keen to meet this Friday's deadline.

The move would see the ground in Nelson Road become Gravesend's training base, as well as being open to the whole community, and help keep the site away from the hands of property developers.

Gravesend chairman Brian Kilcullen confirmed the club's interest, which has been backed by Gravesham council and MP Chris Pond.

He said: "We are currently one of those users that wish to carry on playing there.

"Our PASE scheme boys play there. The borough has precious few playing fields and we want to do all we can to keep it, not just for ourselves but for all the local community.

"A property speculator would close the place down immediately, let it remain dormant and overgrown for 10 years or so until attempting to get planning permission to build houses on it."

Beauwater is currently not financially viable. Kimberley Clark heavily subsidises the ground and the main building needs urgent repairs.

But the club are likely to make a joint bid with the borough council to keep one of the area's major sports venues in operation.

If the Fleet's bid is successful it could open up a range of opportunities for the club.

All-weather surfaces and a base for the club's coaching in the community scheme could develop. Officials are keen to allow other sports clubs to use the facilities.

Gravesend chief executive Glenn Aitken said: "The Beauwater situation is one where we can do something that benefits the whole borough as well as ourselves."

One club that has pulled out of the running, however, appears to be Guru Nanak, who had been keen on making a bid.

Guru Nanak chairman Mick Helaith said: "We haven't had sufficient time to put a bid together.

"However, we are in talks with a third party who might offer us use of the ground if their bid is successful."

Gravesend are in a favourable position as the council are not keen to allow planning permission for new properties on the site.

The bid does not affect Gravesend's home at Stonebridge Road, which will continue to be the club's base.