BOXERS have criticised a local authority, saying it has let them down in the search for new premises.

With 84 national finalists and 82 English Internationals to date, Shildon Boxing Club is well-respected throughout the country as a training ground for Amateur Boxing Association officials and fighters.

Now the club is having to share Bishop Auckland Boxing Club's Gym after being left without a base at the start of the sport's season this year.

Chairman Tommy Taylor said that for more than 20 years the club has trained in church halls, a working men's club and finally Sunnydale School.

He said: "Sedgefield Borough Council have done nothing to help us despite promising us that they would find us permanent accommodation.''

The club is part of Shildon's Railway Heritage. It started training sessions in 1918, in the former Soho engine shed built by Timothy Hackworth. The club's membership was drawn from the workforce.

Mr Taylor said: "In 1978 we were approached by Sedgefield Borough Council, which asked us to leave that building so it could be converted into part of the museum. They promised to find us somewhere else and we are still waiting.''

Today the club has more than 30 boxers, aged from 11 to their early 20s, including five internationals.

It had to move from the school during the summer holidays because the rooms were needed for lessons.

At the time, two members were training for international events.

Mr Taylor said: "We ended up with two bronze medals and I am convinced we would have had gold if the lads had proper training.''

There is hope on the horizon, however, and with the help of Shildon Town Council the club is hoping to return to the site of the former works to convert an empty building into a gym for boxing and other sports.

Phil Ball, head of leisure services at Sedgefield Borough Council, said he was disappointed by the club's comments and said the council had done all it could to help find alternative accommodation.

He said: "We would have gladly housed them at Sunnydale Leisure Centre, but I cannot give away facilities that are not mine to give, and there is no room at the centre.''

He said he would help the club apply for National Lottery funding to pay for premises if he was approached