Knockout blows to town boxing hopes

A £2.8 million plan to build a world- class centre boasting a gym, sports hall and canalside facilities in Walsall has been scrapped.

Green Rivers Community Association and Pleck Boxing Club were to be brought together under one roof at the proposed venue, which had already secured half the cash from the Government. Now Walsall Borough Council and New Deal have refused to stump up their share for the project in Green Rock Lane because the business plan is not considered to be viable.

Council leader Councillor Mike Bird said today: "The business plan that was put before us did not stack up. It projected an income of £154,000 a year, with £79,000 to come from a sweet shop.

"If you are opening a £2.8 million centre you are going to need more than sweet shop to keep it going.

"It's all right having a grandiose scheme, but if you haven't got the money to back it up it is no good and we would end up paying for it down the line."

He said a smaller scheme would now be put forward.

At Blakenall and Bloxwich Local Neighbourhood Partnership meeting last night Patricia Aston, of Abbotts Street, said: "We had a dream and it was about to come true. We had a Government grant of more than £1 million, and this would have given us the chance to create a site that would give activities and sports and education not available in the whole of Walsall.

"The council pledged its support to the tune of £350,000 and New Deal promised £500,000.

"New Deal broke its promise and now Walsall Council has pulled the plug as well. "

Youngsters from the community association also spoke up before last night's neighbourhood meeting.

Corey Hammonds said: "We asked for a new building because we only have an old cabin and there is not enough room for what all want to do.

"It was going to be great."