Fight on for boxing club proposals
Community back gym plans
Questions are being raised about the future of a rundown former community hall in Coltness.
The former Coltness Community Centre building, in Coltness Road, was deemed surplus to requirements by the council back in 2011 and earlier this month the access road was also consigned to the same fate.
Coltness Community Council chairman John Carr believes he may have the answer to bringing the old centre out of disrepair after one local resident asked his organisation to support plans for a boxing gym on the site.
John said: “I believe the centre has been put on the market by the council.
I think having something like a boxing gym would be good for the young ones in Coltness
“We have had one man come forward to us in the hope of gaining community council support for using the building and opening a boxing gym for all ages.
“The old centre isn’t doing anything and I think having something like a boxing gym would be good for the young ones in Coltness.
“Boxing teaches discipline and keeps kids off the street so that can only be a good thing.”
Coltness councillor John Taggart has been in discussions with the council over the future of the community centre.
He added: “The building would have to be reasonably self-financed and any new owner would have to be responsible for the upkeep of the building.
“However, I have been a big supporter of boxing clubs in both Cambusnethan and Cleland. It’s something that is worthwhile if it engages with the youths in the area.
“It keeps them fit and active and I would back it wholeheartedly.”
A North Lanarkshire Council spokeswoman said: “No decision has yet been made on the former community centre, and we are in the early stages of discussions with interested parties to identify the best option for its future use.”