A SUCCESSFUL Inverclyde martial arts club which boasts two Scottish champions faces closure unless new premises can be found for it.

Members of Scottish Muay Thai Council (SMTC) Greenock are anxious about its future because they can no longer afford the rent on their current training base at Curves gym in Robertson Street and desperately need a new home.

It comes after the lead instructor, who was running the club, left to pursue a new business closer to his home in Paisley.

The remaining members have been left to continue the successful martial arts class but a lack of funding means they cannot remain where they are.

They have secured a temporary home at the Team Viper gym on Haig Street.

But a search is now under way to find new permanent premises for more than 25 adults and children from the club.

Many of them have won various titles, including Scottish belts.

Local instructor Raymond Woodcock, who runs the club and is current Scottish champion in his own weight division, said: “The gentleman who ran the place couldn’t continue any longer.

“We cannot afford to keep the club open ourselves.

“We would’ve loved to have kept the premises but we can’t afford it.

“Various juniors here have a Scottish title and we are a developing club, so we want to try and keep the place going.

“We’ve had to relocate a few times in the last few years for various reasons.” Just last week Raymond, who is from Port Glasgow, featured in Headhunters’ annual fighting championship and won the flyweight (57kg) title.

It was another win added to his record and takes his winning streak to seven.

Raymond, 27, said: “What we need now is any help at all and a new permanent home for the club.” Anyone who can help the club with new premises should call 07860 467856 or contact SMTC Greenock via their Facebook page.