Time-tabling clash at community centre leads to anger
A TIME-tabling clash at Stonehaven Community Centre has seen a popular martial arts class denied a renewal on their lease.
The decision by Aberdeenshire Council to approve an application by another group for the use of the hall on a Monday night has meant the Sansum Black Belt Academy (SBBA) has been displaced, causing anger amongst some local parents.
The martial arts academy started up three months ago and is ran by Malcolm Evans who was trained by the club's founder, and former bodyguard of Mohamed Al Fayed, Lee Sansum.
It has proved highly popular with young and old alike, with both junior and senior classes recently being awarded their red belts. Despite this, after applying for the renewal of his lease Mr Evans was refused the use of the hall on a Monday night. He has however retained his lease for the Wednesday night classes.
One mum, Chris Stirk, whose son attends the SBBA classes said: "In the three months since the club opened I have seen my son's fitness level increase at an amazing rate. He is more self confident and thoroughly enjoys each session. With a world class athlete like Malcolm in our midst, you would think that the council would do everything they could to assist them in giving our children a world class start in sport.
"I think it is time for us as a community to start having more say in how our public buildings are run and where our money is spent."
A spokesman for Aberdeenshire Council defended the decision and said: "Another long-established and popular club applied for and was granted the Monday slot previously occupied by this martial arts class up to the summer holidays.
"While the club did not apply in time to retain the Monday slot at the community centre, it still has the use of a room there on a Wednesday and has been offered facilities at Mackie Academy on a Monday as an alternative.
"We are satisfied the correct procedures have been followed in this instance."
Mr Evans said that the situation was "not ideal". He said: "It is a bit frustrating as the classes are going really well now. It is not ideal to have different locations for the Monday and Wednesday. The parents from my Ninja and Terrier classes were very unhappy as it could have put the club in jeopardy - it is not easy to find premises in Stonehaven."
He added that in the future he hopes to set up a purpose built studio, but in the meantime, there is still a worry it could happen again.
Mr Evans said: "My aim is to build a great club for the community and to bring a bit of fitness and fun. At the moment I have kids as young as four and my most senior student is 57 so it just shows that it is sport for all. I am trying hard to locate somewhere to set up a fully kitted out studio so that I can offer a wider range of classes and facilities for all ages. If I had somewhere to set up a permanent home it would eliminate the worry of this problem happening again."
If anyone interested in the classes, or knows of a permanent location suitable for the Academy, get in touch with Malcolm Evans at sbbastonehaven@btinternet.com or by phone on 07769266994.
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Weather for Stonehaven
Thursday 09 February 2012
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