Boxing coach's ambitious new plan to help curb anti-social behaviour in Wath

Wath Amateur Boxing Club has applied for permission to convert the lower floor of the town’s Value For Money Market. 

Wath has been the scene of extra policing patrols in recent months following concerns about anti-social behaviour, and Wath ABC chairman Darren Coward said diverting young people into positive activities was central to the boxing club project.

And its focus on keeping youngsters off the streets has already won praise from Chief Insp Paul Ferguson, from South Yorkshire Police, and Wentworth and Dearne MP John Healey.

Qualified boxing coach Darren said: “We’ve been searching for an appropriate site for 24 months and believe the market offers an outstanding opportunity for a successful business.

“We believe our boxing and fitness club will help energise the town centre and assist the community to become more active. 

“We also believe that the boxing and fitness club may offer youths in the local area with an alternative to crime and anti-social behaviour.”

Darren, who will run the club with wife Mary, said they were also exploring the idea of a women’s team and classes for people with disabilities and the over-50s.

Chief Insp Paul Ferguson said: “Wath is a priority area for policing. And as the neighbourhoods lead, I seek to work with the community to increase resources as in doing so, we can reduce harm.

“The community is one of the more deprived within South Yorkshire. 

“As is often the case, there is a link between deprivation and reduced resources and community assets.

“More young people being active productively takes them off the streets and so reduces the temptation to cause harm, and young people off the streets reduces negative perceptions from others.

“I would welcome the establishment of a gym within the town. 

“Mr Coward assures me he has all the requisite qualifications and an agenda about providing a resource for the young people of the town.  

Mr Healey added: “An increase in activities for young people in Wath is always welcome.

“The plans submitted for Wath-upon-Dearne Fitness Hub and Boxing Club show a real desire to work with youngsters and other organisations in the area.

“I have visited the premises, under the indoor market, and can see a lot of potential for the space.

“Getting young people active is beneficial in terms of health but this project would also help provide a much needed space for youngsters to socialise.”

He added: “The proposals were met with encouragement at a local Wath Traders meeting recently where it was felt more activities were needed to help stop young people congregating on streets around the town.”

The planning application will be decided by Rotherham Borough Council.