A MONMOUTH sports club is in a desperate search for new equipment.
Anthony Jones, coach at Monmouth Trampoline Club, says the club is in need of a new trampoline after a dispute with the town’s leisure centre.
The club has been going from strength to strength since being formed approximately 10 years ago, and used to have sessions on a Tuesday at Monmouth Leisure Centre before work began on the building to accommodate a new swimming pool.
Despite a temporary sports hall costing up to £400,000 being constructed, the club has had to change locations due to an equipment shortage.
The club still has use of two trampolines, but a third which belongs to the leisure centre is in storage while the work takes place and, according to Anthony, the club are unable to use it at an alternative venue.
Instead of 18 members being able to take part in sessions, the loss of a trampoline means the club can only accommodate 12 members at a time.
There are now fears that the club will have to source another trampoline, which could cost as much as £5,000.
“When they come out of storage who’s going to take trampolining there [at the leisure centre], because they’ll have lost us,” said Anthony.
“We can have 12 at a time at the boys school because I’ve got two trampolines, restricted to six per trampoline. At the leisure centre there were three trampolines, so on a Tuesday night we had 18. It’s those 18 who have got to be slotted in somewhere else.
“We’re desperately trying to find out if someone has a second-hand trampoline but we need another trampoline, it’s as simple as that”.
If necessary, a new ‘goliath’-sized competition trampoline could cost £5,000, with used equipment around £1,500.
He is hopeful that the club could receive Sport Wales ‘Community Chest’ funding, having previously been successful in the past.
The scheme offers sport and community clubs grants of up to £1,500 to improve participation and improve standards.
The club now holds sessions three days a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
At the time of going to press, Monmouthshire County Council was awaiting a response from the leisure centre.
• Following concerns raised in the Beacon last week, (1st November), about the village-style changing rooms, a spokesperson has confirmed that the plans will be altered to accommodate the swimmers’ wishes.
In correspondence seen by the Beacon, leisure centre personnel have said: “As you know we have been working hard to try and achieve a facility that not only meets the needs of our diverse users but one that will be fit for future generations.
“It has been difficult to meet our user’s expectations due to the budget constraints and space limitations of an existing building.
“We are pleased to confirm after much consideration with the design team that we are able to include the addition of two showers per group changing area. These showers will not only meet your needs but will also assist other users especially during busy times.
“I look forward to sharing the progress of the build over the coming months with you and the wider community.”