Boxing club finds new base

Dereham's long-established boxing club has a new home after a massive rent hike was imposed on its existing building on the town's Rash's Green Industrial Estate.

The award-winning club has been operating in the town for more than 80 years and is thriving with around 60 members.

It was shocked last year to learn that landlord Breckland Council was to impose a market rent of �9,000 on the club after years of it paying an annual peppercorn rent.

There were fears that the club might have to close because it could not afford the increase.

But the authority and the club discussed the situation and an empty wooden property was found, formerly occupied by the Exit youth centre on the Guildhall car park, off the town's High Street, at a rent of �40 a week.

This building will be used on a temporary basis until permanent premises can be found.

Club president Richard Sturman said the officials and members were happy with the new temporary premises and had now taken occupation of the unit which has a central location. But it is smaller than its previous premises and the lack of storage space has meant some equipment has had to be disposed of.

Sturman said Trish Bailey, of Breckland Council's commercial property department, had been particularly helpful and supportive in finding new premises.

They have been refurbished and re-decorated and the club hopes to be fully operational there in a couple of weeks.

Breckland's executive member for economic and commercial services, Mark Kiddle-Morris, said the authority had been delighted to help the club find a new home in the town.

'This club and its young boxers are a credit to Breckland and deserve nothing but praise.

'We will continue to work with Dereham Boxing Club over the next two years to assist them in finding a permanent base and wish the club and its members well in their temporary accommodation,' he added.