WEB EXCLUSIVE: Boxing Club may fold after being forced to cancel open show

EXCLUSIVE

By ADAM LAZZARI

WISBECH Amateur Boxing Club may close after being forced to cancel what would have been their first open show in three years because their application for an entertainment licence was submitted one day late.

Club secretary Saphire Lee has reacted furiously to what she describes as the "heartless" attitude of Fenland District Council.

The club had planned to hold an open air show at Wisbech Town Football Club's Fenland Park.

A ring would have been placed in the football pitch and 15 bouts had been scheduled.

The show was due to take place tomorrow (Saturday).

An application had to be submitted to the council at least 10 days before the show but was sent one day late.

Mrs Lee said: "The rules have changed since the last time we had a show and I didn't know about the 10-day rule.

"We have been struggling to find a venue because nobody would have us but the agreement with the football club was a last minute thing.

Mrs Lee said: "This would have been a really special night and it's been ruined by the heartless attitude of Fenland District Council.

"These open shows are our main source of income and we had boxers from all over the country booked to come down. We're really struggling. I've had to pay £350 for the ring and several other costs.

"We have 50 youngsters training at the club and a European champion in 15-year-old Eli Frankam. He's helped to put Wisbech on the map and we're taking these boys off the streets. I told council's legal adviser that we may close down and he just told me that on this occasion that was tough."

A spokesman for Fenland District Council said: "It is a legal requirement that an application for an entertainment licence must be submitted 10 days before an event. This is the law and it is not something the council has any discretion on.

"We suggested an alternative venue that already has an entertainment licence to the club.