Newarthill boxing club vows to rebuild after devastating blaze

Newarthill Amateur Boxing Club fell prey to a fire, which swiftly spread throughout the much-loved gym, sending plumes of smoke across the horizon.

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 6.55am on Monday to reports of a building fire on Mosshall Street, Newarthill.

“Operations Control mobilised six appliances to the scene, where crews worked for several hours to extinguish a fire within a single-storey commercial property, and dampen down a number of hot-spots.

“There were no reported casualties, and the final appliance left the scene at 7.43pm.”

At time of going to press a Police Scotland spokesperson said: “To date, no crime has been established as enquiries are ongoing to establish the cause of fire.”

The club has been touched by an outpouring of support from the community. Wellwishers took to social media to express their dismay at the turn of events.

The boxing club took to its Facebook page to express its sheer determination to rebuild the facility with details of a crowdfunding plan via Justgiving that will help to realise that dream. Within hours the £2000 target had been exceeded – at the time of going to press £3451 had been raised.

The supporters were told: “The building has been completely destroyed. We are all devastated.

“We WILL be back, of that we have no doubt. A massive thank you to all who have sent messages of support or called over the past few hours and also thanks to the fire service who put themselves at risk.”