BOSSES at the world-class Kendal Judo Club are appealing for help in their search for a new and improved base, reports Rachel Kitchen.

The club has nurtured many players for the national judo squad during its proud 45-year history in Kendal, and is keen to move from its current base at New Inn Yard, which lacks parking and is located up several flights of stairs on the third floor.

Chairman Gary Davis said the club had been given the opportunity to build a new dojo judo hall amid idyllic surroundings but unfortunately not in Kendal. He said the club was desperately keen to stay in the town and continue its links with Kendal, but finding a site was extremely difficult. He did not wish to identify the location of the site offered to the club outside of Kendal.

"The problem we've been frustrated with over the last six or 12 months is the fact of finding a piece of land in Kendal it's a bit like trying to find a diamond," said Mr Davis.

"From a personal point of view I would have to be dragged kicking and screaming out of Kendal," he added. "I've done judo for nearly 30 years and I've been proud to represent Kendal."

The British Judo Association recently highlighted Kendal Judo Club as one of only 32 High Quality Skill Centres in the country. Mr Davis believes the club's excellent reputation and contribution to sport in Kendal mean that it should get council help in relocating, but he stresses the club is not asking for financial assistance.

South Lakeland District Council said it was willing to talk to the judo club about relocation hopes. "There

is a shortage of development sites in and around Kendal," commented economy and development manager Richard Greenwood. "However, we recognise that the town is a centre of excellence for judo and we will work with the club to see if a suitable site can be found."

Late last year it was revealed that Kendal Judo Club hoped to build a new quarter-of-a-million pound dojo on SLDC-owned land off Burland Grove, Kendal.

SLDC director of strategy and planning Sue Barton confirmed the plot had been allocated for affordable homes. The council is working with Two Castles Housing Association to look at the practicalities of building houses on that land. "Once we know the outcome of that investigation we will be able to move forward but at the present time that land is intended for affordable housing," she said.

Anybody who can help Kendal Judo Club with information on suitable potential sites in Kendal is invited to call chief instructor Mike Liptrot on 07944-255860 or chairman Gary Davis on 07977-276276.

April 17, 2003 11:30