THE new owners of Southend Lawn Tennis Club have moved to reassure club members and residents about the future of the site.

The 1.4-acre property in Broadclyst Gardens, Thorpe Bay, was snapped up by development company Opticrealm for £275,000 in December.

However, the identity of the company, which is based in London, was only revealed to concerned club members last month.

There are fears among members and local residents that the site could be used for housing, and that the community could lose a well-used facility.

But Tim Coburn, company director, said: "It's been bought for investment purposes and we've taken a long-term view of it. As it stands, there are no feasible plans for the future of the site.

"The club has a lease until 2022, so not much will happen for a good number of years, and we are happy to let the lease run on until its fruition. We were unaware there were any concerns from club members about its future."

He added the company does not plan to build developments in south Essex, but instead was likely to sell the property on at some point to make a profit.

Despite the assurances, club members remain worried about the future of the facility.

Club secretary Dave Lincoln said: "Our concern is still for the children of the area.

"We have a lot of youngsters playing at the club who are coming on very well with their tennis.

"In 14 years time, they will be in their early twenties and the club might not be there if it's sold on for housing.

"But, unfortunately, we can't stop what will happen."

The well-supported club, which has about 100 members, was auctioned by Savills in London, only two years after it was bought by local man Raymond Dickens.

Mr Dickens, who purchased it for £187,500, outbid developers because, he said at the time, he wanted to preserve the 1.4-acre site for the benefit of his grandchildren and other local youngsters.