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Youth boxing club left on the ropes
‘It’s heartbreaking’ – council rejects desperate bid for grant from under-threat All Stars
FINANCE chiefs have delivered a knock-out blow to the hopes of scores of teenagers fighting to save their youth club from closure.
The All Stars Boxing and Youth Club has trained a host of female amateur champions and is a popular meeting point for local youths in what is one of the most deprived wards in the country.
The club had appealed for a grant to help keep the Harrow Road club, which is in a state of disrepair and is £80,000 in debt, alive.
But this week they received a letter from the council’s head of contracts, Nicholas Maxwell, informing them the grant application had been refused.
Club founder Isola Akay said: “For some of the children I have got to know over the years this club has become a kind of second home. It would be simply heart-breaking for them if we had to close. Given the right care and attention this building has so much potential.”
Club member Kai Singh, 18, said: “Many youths around the local area, who would probably be up to no good, have a place to come and train because of All Stars. It is like a small community with nothing but good coming out.”
Joanne Cash, the Tory Parliamentary candidate for Westminster North, launched a petition to save the club in October. She called on Labour councillors to come together with Tory councillors to work out a solution.
The olive branch was accepted by the Labour councillors for Harrow Road, but with the council failing to renew the club’s grant they have accused Ms Cash of “double-dealing”.
Councillor Paul Dimoldenberg, leader of the Labour Group, said: “This is typical of the Conservatives’ double dealing and broken promises. Year after year the Conservatives have let down the All Stars who do fantastic work with young people.
“Just a few weeks ago the Conservatives promised to help, but, with typical lack of thought or concern, the All Stars have now received another letter telling them that they have been refused a grant yet again.” |
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