Shock eviction due to electrics

The notice appears to be part of a wider course of action affecting a number of other non-council clubs which also use the premises on Downshire Road.

Posting to the Banbridge Saints and Sinners Facebook page to request suggestions for an alternative suitable premises in the area, a spokesperson for the club said: “After 33 years Banbridge weight training club renting council property have been issued a termination notice to leave.

“All clubs that also use the old library building apart from the pensioners club have to find other premises by December 17.

“All non-council clubs have to leave, the only one to stay is the pensioners club.”

The training club, which now has approximately 180 members, said the reason given for their eviction was that the super council require all the space for offices however, a council statement has cited health and safety reasons.

A council spokesperson said: “All Council buildings are routinely inspected to ensure that they are not only fit for purpose but also meet existing legal health and safety requirements.

“Following an independent inspection of the Old Technical School Building, it was recommended that the electrical wiring be replaced as a matter of urgency.

“At the earliest possible date, all tenants were advised of the required works and three months’ notice was given to enable them to find alternative accommodation.

“The extent of the works needed to bring the building up to the required standard has as yet not been fully determined.

“But it is expected that the contract will last between three and six months.

“At this present time, no decision has been made about the long-term use of this building.”

In the meantime Banbridge Weight Training Club and the other organisations involved are believed to be seeking alternative accommodation for the forseeable future.