A BOXING club in Weston is appealing to businesses to help as the youth centre it is based in may be sold off by North Somerset Council.

Weston Amateur Boxing Club meet twice a week at the Bournville Youth Centre.

But the council cuts back youth services next spring the centre may be sold off.

The club may have to find a new home if the buyers don’t want the free club to remain.

But the club can’t afford to move to a commercially-rented space and are looking for businesses in the area for help.

Councillor for South Ward Ian Parker said: “It is important to keep the place open because it is amazing the number of people who come down here and are helped by the discipline it gives them.

“We can’t afford to go private but we might have to leave if the youth centre is sold or closed, so we’re really desperate to find somewhere to go.”

John Clearly, head coach at the club, said: “When the council disbands youth services, the centre will be given up and we will probably have to leave.

“It would be a massive loss to the estate and the area because it has been here for years.

“It’s not just about boxing, it’s about the future of youth service provision.

“Thousands of people have passed through these doors and I think it has helped each one.

“In areas of deprivation, sometimes a strong voice helps people along.”