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Last month, Hari’s Boxing Club opened its doors in Penyrheol with the aim of keeping kids off the street and out of trouble.

But after months of hard work getting the club up and running, it now faces an uncertain future after the building’s landlord, businessman Clayton Jones, said he wants the club out.

Boxing club founder Geraint Coombes, from Bedwas, said he first learned of the eviction from the former Labour Club through social media. While upset and angry, he has vowed to fight on.

Speaking to Caerphilly Observer, Geraint said: “It’s unbelievable. We only had our first boxer fighting last week and the buzz has been unreal.

“This is completely out of the blue. We’ve only been open a few weeks.”

Geraint, who named the club after his 12-year-old son, said he has had parents messaging him saying their children were upset with the news.

He even had plans to create a mental health café at the club in the near future, as well as run homework nights for children.

Geraint received a letter dated November 8, with an eviction date of November 17. However, Geraint said the letter was not received until December 7.

He also said he was given permission to carry out further works on the gym on November 10 – two days after the letter was dated.

The club officially opened on November 7 behind the Aneurin Sports Bar, in a building which was originally a concert hall.

Around £11,000 was spent on equipment and refurbishing the building – with £3,175 coming out of Geraint’s own pocket.

Geraint said he had verbally agreed a five-year lease with Mr Jones, who also owns the Harp Inn in Gelligaer and the Wonky Bar in Bedwas. The first year was to be free, but nothing was in writing – despite repeated requests.

Former bus operator Mr Jones told Caerphilly Observer the eviction letter was sent after an independent report was commissioned condemning the building.

However, Caerphilly Observer has not seen evidence showing the building has been condemned.

Mr Jones said: “It’s a great shame because we had spent a lot of money on it, but the building is condemned.

“We have a duty of care, which is fundamental to the business. Imagine if something happened when the kids were in there?

“We’ve followed the independent report and offered to help in any way we can.”

He added: “We wish to affirm we never received a penny, we provided all services free of charge to assist the community.”

Mr Jones has provided Caerphilly Observer with a copy of an electrical inspection report recommending extensive work – including a complete rewire.

But electrical report, which was carried out on November 4, does not cover the boxing gym, only the flat above the sports bar.

The sports bar itself is currently still trading.

The letter sent by Mr Jones to Geraint has been seen by Caerphilly Observer. In the letter, Mr Jones said: “Any expenditure you allege has been made on the property, please provide a VAT invoice as we do not want you to be out of pocket.”

It is understood the entire sports bar, and not just the concert hall, will be demolished.

“Massive impact”

Sally Evans, whose nine-year-old daughter Olivia attends Hari’s Boxing Club, said it would be “such a shame” if the club was lost.

Olivia, who joined the club at the start, was recently chosen as its boxer of the month, with mum Sally praising the impact the club has had on her daughter.

She said: “Olivia has always been introverted. We tried dancing and netball but it didn’t last long – but she absolutely adores boxing.

“She looks forward to it and never wants to be late for it. I haven’t been able to keep her away from there.

“It’s had a massive impact on her confidence.”

Sally continued: “Penyrheol needs this. It’s reasonably priced and it brings people together. There’s a real community feel too.

“It gives kids a chance to vent and let off steam without being told off. It keeps them off the streets and mentally and physically fit.”