TORIES FIGHT TO SAVE THREATENED BOYS' CLUB!

City Conservatives have stepped into the row over threatened funding for Bristol's oldest boys' club and are to fight its cause at the next meeting of a key Council Scrutiny Commission.

Broad Plain Boys' Club, which was founded in 1894 and has since won national reputation for its work helping thousands of inner-city children, faces the prospect of losing £11,600 per year from the City Council unless it drops its name and becomes a fully mixed club.

Critics of the move say that this would destroy the club's character and many strengths which attract more than1500 boys and girls every month.

Now Tory leader Councillor Richard Eddy has demanded reassurances over the future of the club's funding and will quiz senior Council Officers on the matter at the Quality of Life Scrutiny Commission (of which he is Vice-Chairman) on 1st December, starting at 2.00 pm.

Cllr Richard Eddy (Con, Bishopsworth) said: "Like many Bristolians, I was appalled and angry to learn that Broad Plain Boys' Club was threatened with the loss of crucial Council funding unless it drops its name and association with traditional activities.

"Under inspirational leader Dennis Stinchcombe, the club has gained national recognition for excellence and has already extended its range of activities to benefit girls and young women.

"It would be an act of madness and almost criminal folly for the Council to sacrifice this brilliant work on the altar of political correctness."

Prospective Conservative MP for Bristol North West, Charlotte Leslie, a big supporter of the club, added: "It is almost as if Bristol City Council is allergic to excellence.

“Broad Plain Boys' Club should be a treasured jewel in Bristol's crown but, instead, the
Council thinks it should face cuts.

“As president of another local boxing club, Avonmouth National Smelting Club, and as a boxer myself, I know at first hand the extraordinary benefits boxing can have for young people, teaching them self-respect, discipline and determination.

“This Labour Council should be ashamed. If it withdraws funding from such a shining beacon of success, it raises serious questions about the Administration's competence.

“We will be campaigning all the way to protect Broad Plain Boys' Club and get more young people off the streets and into boxing gyms like Dennis Stinchcombe's."

Back to Local News Index 22 November 2008