A POPULAR Chippenham boxing club which is helping young people stay off the streets and out of trouble could be forced to close its doors unless a new premises are found.

Emeralds Boxing Club has been running for nearly five years under the former West End Club on Audley Road, but founder and head coach Liam Lathbury is worried that it may have to close in the near future as the building is up for sale.

At the moment the club only currently rents its premises and Mr Lathbury is in a race against time to try to and find a new facility.

“The owners have got the site for sale, they’ve been showing people around and they only have to give us six months’ notice,” said Mr Lathbury, a former professional boxer.

“The downside of a boxing gym is you need a permanent base, it’s not like karate where you only need a hall.

“The reason I wanted to open a gym is because it did so much for me in a good manner and I wanted to put back into the community.

“We’re desperate to get a permanent premises or long-term sponsor.”

The club currently has 45 members, 28 of whom are active amateurs, across an age range from 10 to 35 and sessions are held Tuesday and Thursday 6-9pm and on Sunday 9-11am.

Seven volunteers work at the gym, giving up their time to help members whether they have never boxed before or are looking to improve their skills and abilities.

Mr Lathbury has already attempted to look for other premises, including the Bridge Centre before it was knocked down and approached charity Chippenham Borough Lands.

“No one seems interested, everyone tells you what you want to hear but you never hear anything back from them,” said the 36-year-old, who works as a postman.”

“I’m not asking for something for free, we will pay our way but ideally we’d like a premises of our own.

“The boxing is just the start, our long term plans are quite ambitious because we want to have a community gym and a hub for the youth of Chippenham.

“I’ve grown up in the town and I’ve watched it depleted, especially from the youth side.

“If we closed it would be devastating but at the moment we have got nowhere else to go.”

Anyone with a potential premises can contact Mr Lathbury on 07717 858188.