CONCERNS have been raised that a long-standing gym which helps children and adults with mental health problems will have to find a new home.

Staff, coaches and parents at Buckley Boxing Club, on Drury Industrial Estate, are pleading with Flintshire Council to "save our home".

The club was were told that the council couldn't commit to a long-term lease of the unit as this would "jeopardise the council's long-term interests."

Jim Williams, club secretary, said as Buckley is the most populated town in Flintshire, the town is "screaming" for public facilities and that the 300 member-strong club helps many from different backgrounds.

He added: "This is all for mental health. Some kids get bullied or have trouble in school. We offer them a way to channel that here. We are a family and this is our home."

Mark Field, a former professional boxer and coach at Buckley Boxing Club clinched a national RCNi award for his efforts in helping the community after training as a mental health nurse.

Mr Field has been working on this initiative for over 22 years and has seen "hundreds of kids come to the club over the years."

He said: "Nobody here gets paid. Anyone can go in to our charity. The kids come here for interaction with others, and I will do what it takes, whatever I can, to make sure it stays open.

"If this shut down, I don't know where else the children would go because there's no community centres. Everybody here, all the coaches, give up their time from Monday to Sunday, seven days a week."

Mum Charlie Taylor, of Ewloe, who's 8-year-old son Shay Taylor, attends the club, said: "The club has had a massive impact on Shay and other children. Shay started here because he was having difficulties at school. Shay has now got friends, and his confidence has been built.

"I will do anything I can to keep this gym here. We have seen it on a personal level how much Shay has developed socially and mentally. We would be lost without it."

Shay said: "I would be really sad if this closed. It helps me make friends. Mark is my best friend."

Neal Cockerton, chief officer for housing and assets at Flintshire Council, said: “Council officers have been working with Buckley Boxing Club as part of the council’s community asset transfer process to identify a new location for the club to relocate to.

"For some time the view was that the club would take over the Bistre Youth and Community Centre, however, we have recently been informed that they no longer wish to pursue this option.

"There are no current proposals by the council to close the building the club use, indeed the facility has an existing lease in place until the end of September 2021.

“We will continue to work with Buckley Boxing Club to offer whatever assistance we can.”