AN under-threat gym club which helps keep youngsters off the streets is reeling from another blow - after heartless thieves stole £400 worth of heating fuel.

Kestrel Gymnastics club in Bulwark, which caters for around 200 children, is already feeling the pinch over a large hike in business rates and high rent.

And the discovery of the fuel theft, which left youngsters training in freezing conditions on a bitterly cold evening last week has proved a bitter pill.

Club head coach Shirley Lazere-Bennett said: “The children from the Bulwark community in Chepstow spent their evening session until 9pm at Kestrel Gymnastics Club in a freezing gym, as it was discovered when the heating would not work, that inconsiderate people with no morals had smashed open the fuel tank and stolen 600 litres of red diesel costing £400.

““What is the matter with people? This is for children in the community. It’s left the club with no means of heating for the children from age two onwards. The incident was reported to the police and the club is now trying to raise £1,000 for repairs and fuel.”

The theft was discovered on Tuesday, April 2, when youngsters asked for the heating to be switched on after temperatures had plummeted.

To the shock of members, they found the lock smashed and fuel tank “completely drained” of red diesel.

“The parents couldn’t believe it,” said Shierly. “I’m so angry – we try to get the community together and to get young people off the streets.

“This isn’t a good example from adults to children. I never thought anyone could do this.”

It came just days after Monmouth MP david davies pledged to take up the issue of crippling business rates at a visit to the gym, which is based in a former warehouse on Bulwark Indistrial Estate.

He said after learning of the theft: “The heartless people who did this have ruined the enjoyment of so many local children. This is a club, run on a shoestring budget, for local people by local people.

“Somebody must know who’s done this, and I hope they will turn the culprits in to local police.”

At his visit the previous week, club coach Ceri Middleton had told him the not-for-profit club provided a safe environment for local children to access facilities in one of the most deprived areas of Monmouthshire.

“But rising business rates coupled with high rent is making it “impossible” to keep this much-loved community facility running,” she said.

The MP said afterwards: “It was fantastic to see the children enjoying learning a sport that teaches more than just gymnastics.

“This is a huge community facility that keeps over 200 young people off the streets. They also offer parkour and open sessions to help those with less income have fun.

“Unfortunately, business rates in the area, together with the rent being charged for the industrial unit, is causing massive financial problems.

“If the club ends up having no option other than closure, it would be a huge blow to the area.”

Mr Davies has written to Welsh Finance Minister Rebecca Evans asking for the matter to be looked into.

And Kestrel is now appealing for donations to help replace its heating fuel, while youngsters are currently having to train in the cold.

Anyone with information about the theft can call police on 101 quoting log number 427 of 3/4/2019.

To support the club in fundraising for repairs and replacement fuel, go to www.gofundme.com/repair-and-restock-stolen-fuel-for-gym-club