A COMMUNITY gym that helps keep teenagers off the streets could be forced to close because of a shortage of cash.

Stretford-based Traff X helps more than a hundred youngsters channel their energies into activities such as Thai boxing and dance each week.

The centre has even helped some young people triumph in sporting contests – but it is facing closure due to a lack of money.

Kevin Morris, a former breakdancer and Thai boxer, set up the Talbot Road centre five years ago with his own money. In recent times he has had to rely on some last-minute donations just to enable him to pay essential bills, the latest being a £3,000 gift from a donor who wanted to remain anonymous.

Kevin, 40, who was once a member of Manchester breakdancing outfit the Broken Glass Street Crew, said: "We have been experiencing problems with our lease and have struggled to pay the rent."

Kevin added that while donations have helped, the centre needs more to stay open. He said: "The centre is run by volunteers, but we would like to hire these people as staff."

One such volunteer is Tanya Chipchase, who says she is also concerned that the money will eventually run out. The 22-year-old said: "We are based in quite a substantial building and as a result we pay around £4,000 a month for rent.

"While we charge a small amount for classes, we rely mostly on donations, which we often obtain through fundraising. If our financial situation doesn’t improve we will have to close the centre.

"This centre has done my brother Jonathan and I a world of good – he has fought for an English Thai boxing title. It often provides young people with a safe place to go."

Anyone wanting to make a donation can call Tanya on 07826 707 475 or Kevin on 07785 398 083.

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