AN APPEAL has been launched to save the home of a successful Tranent boxing club.

Alex Brown, who owns the Bronx Boxing Gym, fears the gym will have to relocate unless funding can be found.

Urgent repairs need to be carried out on the building, on the town’s Bridge Street.

He told the Courier: “The cost to repair the building came in high at over £200,000 and was a shock to everyone.

“It was soon clear that funding would have to be sought from more avenues than just the Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS).

“I feel that if funding is not found then the building will soon become unsafe for the gym to use, and at best the gym will have to relocate.

“I would then have no option but to put the building up for sale or to auction in the hope someone will purchase and repair it.

“This would be a very sad day not only for me but for the many people who use or are connected to the gym and the community.”

Repairs are required to the roof and to plasterwork and woodwork.

Mr Brown founded the gym 10 years ago, opening the facility in January 2009.

Previously, the building was home to Tranent Methodist Church and the 18th-century property was bought at auction.

Television crews from BBC Homes Under the Hammer filmed the transformation into the sporting venue.

Mr Brown added: “It was always my intention that the Bronx Boxing Gym would be there for future generations and, due to other commitments, I had to step away from running the gym and coaching.

“The gym is now run by John McCallum, Tommy Quinn and Richard Snaith.

“I have to say they are doing an amazing job, their achievements speak for themselves.

“I continue to support the gym financially. I refused to rent or sell in 2016 to another party, and I still pay the building’s insurance, which is due this week at a cost of £800, something I have paid for the last 10 years.

“It is a pity that the building’s insurance does not cover wear and tear.

“The gym has had huge success over the years and I feel we can’t ignore the importance of the gym, not only to the young people and boxers, but to their families and the local community.

“East Lothian has already recently lost one boxing gym in Haddington [East Lothian Boxing Club shut down last year].

“The Bronx Boxing Gym has produced many champions, Scottish, British, European and even had a boxer represent Scotland in the most recent Commonwealth Games.

“Apart from this, many people benefit from getting fit and having somewhere to go to get off the streets.”

Mr Brown is prepared to offer the building on a long-term rent-free lease if funding can be found to ensure the gym remains a success.

Anyone able to help should email Alex at: idealflooringsolutionsebs@yahoo.co.uk