Residents fighting to drive a boxing club from their neighbourhood have suggested Moray Council could help the group to find a “more suitable” base.
People living on Elgin’s Brodie Place have urged the authority to ban Elgin Boxing Club from using its premises on the street, after raising concerns about noise and parking.
But club officials claim that, after spending “tens of thousands” renovating the premises, being turfed out of the building would be the “nail in the coffin” for the 40-year-old enterprise.
Last night, Brodie Place residents – who insist they are “good neighbours” and wish the club well – argued that Moray Council could offer some help in securing a new venue for the boxing club.
One man, who asked not to be named because he claimed to fear reprisals, explained that he did not wish the club ill – he simply didn’t want it on his doorstep.
The Brodie Place resident said: “I have objected to the club’s application for permission to continue using the building, but that doesn’t mean I want to see it cease to exist.
“The noise created by training sessions, and how overcrowded the area has become with parking during those times, means that it is simply unsuited to this quiet street.
“So what I would like to see is the council order the club to leave the venue, but to offer whatever financial and practical guidance is necessary to ensure it can have a future in another building.”
The club took up residence in the former furniture store, just off Bishopmill Brae, at the start of 2016 and spent months renovating it for use as a base of operations.
It was only recently when organisers were forced to retroactively apply for permission to change the use of the building, after neighbours complained to the council.
The future of the group now rests with the authority, and official Kevin Gentleman says a rejection would spell the end for it.
Mr Gentleman said it was “unrealistic” to expect the council to help pay for a new centre.
And he has pledged to ensure that noise and parking around the venue are kept to a minimum from now on.
Moray Council has declined to comment on the application while it is active.