A PROPOSED boxing club in Caldicot has been scrapped after the man behind it criticised Monmouthshire County Council for not supporting the initiative.

Amateur boxer Martin Lewis, of Caldicot, believes that the project received insufficient support from the council for the well-supported project.

MPs Jessica Morden and David Davies both voiced their support, while the community of Caldicot were reportedly behind the idea of the club.

Earlier this year, the council offered the committee a vacant property on the Old Pill Farm Industrial Estate in Portskewett.

However it needed significant repairs and had to pass a surveyor's report, with overall costs earmarked at around £18,000.

Mr Lewis, an active member of St Joseph's ABC, feels there has been inaction on the council's part but a council spokesman said they have provided guidance and are willing to meet representatives to discuss the matters.

"I feel that there's been no communication, no support, no help at all," said Mr Lewis.

"They didn't offer any funding whatsoever and they're expecting me to raise £18,000 to repair their building, which is impossible for me to raise.

"The council have pretty much turned their back on me and this project therefore dismissing the voices of their community. I feel this is disgusting."

According to both Mr Lewis and Billy Reynolds, a trainer at St Joseph's ABC in Newport, there is an "overwhelming demand" for a club in the area.

Chepstow ABC is currently the only amateur boxing club to service Monmouthshire, and are reportedly having to turn down potential young members.

Mr Reynolds said: "The benefit to the community of youngsters participating in sport are well documented.

"There is clear evidence that participation will assist in diverting people from crime and anti-social behaviour.

"The council aren't taking advantage of the kids out there, they should be allowing young people to develop in sport."

A spokesman for the council said: "The council has attended site meetings with the club and their contractors and the most recent contact took place on Monday June 13 when dates were suggested for future meetings so we can make progress.

"We have provided the club’s representatives with guidance over rents and running costs, given them a copy of the condition survey and undertaken asbestos and electrical surveys in order to assist their application.

"We are willing to meet Mr Lewis and representatives of the boxing club to discuss these matters further."