THE FUTURE of Oakmead ABC boxing club in Kinson is under threat as its gym will soon be demolished to make way for a £6million housing estate.

Talented young boxers, their parents and the director of the gym are now appealing for help to find a new venue as they will be homeless in five to eight weeks.

Oakmead ABC director John Hamerston said he was promised a new gym by the council and now feels the club has been left completely stranded.

He said: “The council has gone back on its word and everything has gone completely out the window, we are homeless.”

“We will go from being the strongest club in the area to being nothing. We desperately need someone to take us in and keep us going until we find a new place.”

The new housing estate is being built on land at Duck Lane in September and will include a community centre which will be completed in 18 months.

Councillor Robert Lawton, cabinet member for housing, said: “The community centre will be for local residents, so will need to offer a wide range of activities to appeal to the people living there.

“This is what we have always made clear to Mr Hamerston. At no point did we promise him a new permanent gym.”

John also feels let down by LeAF Studio School as he said he was told he would be able to temporarily use the gym there, but this has also fallen through. MP for Bournemouth West, Conor Burns has voiced his support for the gym, saying the club provides an outlet for young men who might otherwise get into trouble.

‘Teaching kids discipline’

LISA Hopkins, the mother of 15-year-old boxer Billy Harley, said the club helped keep youngsters on the straight and narrow.

She said: “I know my son would have gone off the rails if it wasn’t for that club. He has dedicated himself entirely to it over the last few years and he is hoping to be selected for the next Olympics.”

Ex-world boxing champion Cornelius Carr and top boxer Kevin Mitchell are also supporting the cause.

Cornelius said: “This gym gets kids off the street and teaches discipline and respect.”