The fight to keep boxing club De Hood alive at Manor Top

De Hood boxing club in Manor Top is facing huge uncertainty amid plans to demolish its base to make way for a retail park.Club owner Reagan Denton, aged 40, said they had been given assurances by Sheffield Council the club would stay but it was difficult to plan for the future.Reagan took ownership of the new building lease-free on Prince of Wales Road, acting as a caretaker in a bid to improve his local community.He said: “In the short term at least, until we have a firm agreement on our future home, it is difficult for us to plan for the future with all this uncertainty.”Member Lisa Wilson said: “Everyone at De Hood is so welcoming, it’s absolutely amazing. It would be awfulto lose it.”Since the project started South Yorkshire Police have reported a drop in crime in the area of 60 per cent and South Yorkshire Fire Service have said arson has halved.Council leader Julie Dore told the club in April they would work with them – but despite fortnightly meetings the club is still unaware of any further plans.It is understood developers are looking to offer the centre a new base.Coun Shaffaq Mohammed, leader of the Sheffield Liberal Democrats, said:“We’re pressing for De Hood. It’s an old school building and a challenge but provides a fabulous community project.It’s fine to do deals with developers but the community should be considered.”Gym trainer Joel Timmis said: “It keeps kids that have nothing to do off the streets and helps teach them discipline. It helps people physically, mentally and spiritually.”De Hood volunteer Leroy Young told a full council meeting in April of his struggles with alcohol and drug addiction.He said rehabilitation had not worked but since joining De Hood in 2016 he has been alcohol-free.