MORE than 30 sports clubs have been urged to back ambitious plans to transform a disused pavilion on a Hampshire estate into a modern boxing gym.

Southampton Test MP Alan Whitehead has written to them about proposals to convert ramshackle changing rooms in Mansel Park, Millbrook.

He believes a state-of-the-art £300,000 boxing and health club will slash youth crime in the area.

He has thrown his weight behind local boxer Stuart Gill, who dreamed up the idea.

A bid for lottery cash from Sport England is planned and campaigners are trying to boost support from residents, businesses and sports clubs.

Mr Whitehead's letter said: "A bid is to be put to Sport England to obtain funding to rebuild the pavilion and provide a facility from which sports and health clubs can run sessions."

"The proposal would complement plans of Southampton City Council to improve Mansel Park as a whole with a vision to have the space as a community park providing sports facilities for local residents.

"But to have a realistic chance of success in obtaining Sport England money, any bid has to show that clubs would be willing to offer sessions based at the redeveloped facility.

"There is support already but this has to be extended."

Labour backbencher Mr Whitehead wants to discover which groups would be interested in using the gym and what facilities they would require.

Earlier this year, 2,000 postcards were mailed to Millbrook residents to help build support for the scheme.

At the time, Mr Whitehead said: "People want something for young people that doesn't cost an arm and a leg, that isn't slides and swings and that doesn't involve travelling to the city centre."

Anyone interested in running a group from Mansel Park can contact Mr Whitehead's office on 023 8023 1942.