£65,000 Ludlow Boxing Club starts to take shape

Officials at Ludlow Boxing Club said the appearance of the steel frame off Wheeler Road in the past few days marked an exciting stage in the project to build the club, which it is hoped will be finished in the spring.

It is hoped building work will be finished by spring next year.

The new club house will also provide a community room for groups and families on the Sandpits estate to use.

The boxing club now caters for more than 80 people aged from 10 to 30 of all abilities and has recently enjoyed a surge in numbers since the London 2012 Olympics.

Colin Richards, historic environment manager at Shropshire Council who is also project managing the build, said: "The local kids have been coming up to the gates to have a look into the building site.

"Everyone is excited because the frame makes things that bit more tangible. You can see the form and shape of the building to come.

"The future of club is looking very good. It has been affected by the Olympics – since then junior membership has risen from about 20 to more than 80."

Club officials have appealed for people with specialist skills, such as plumbers, plasterers and decorators, to get in touch before Christmas and get involved with the second phase of work which includes fitting out the building's interior. The next phase of work is expected to start in February.

Flo Hadley, secretary of the boxing club, said: "The aim of the new club is to make sure our members can access good facilities.

"Things are on schedule at the moment but we would love to hear from people who will be able to offer specialist skills to help with the work on the interior of the building in the new year."

Club members are meeting at the nearby Rockspring Community Centre while work on the new building is carried out. Sessions are held on Mondays and Wednesdays between 7pm and 9pm.

To get involved with phase two of the building project can call (01299) 271762 or e-mail flo.hadley@btinternet.com