Bethnal Green Weightlifting Club faces an ax after almost 100 years

Mr Bass, who has run the club for around 50 years, said the current agreement with the council allowed the club to operate as a registered charity and allowed people who could not afford to pay to train for free.

“It serves the community. We have all the fads of society – gender, race… old Cockneys – whatever,” said the British Powerlifting and Masters Classic coach.

“Anyone who comes here, it’s a safe space. We don’t allow any nonsense here.”

Mr Bass added that the club’s group of administrators have received “as much buzz” from those who “come here and can’t lift anything and end up pulling 40 (kg)” as from “internationals who pull 350 (kg)”. “.

It is not clear what the council’s plans are for the premises.

“We’re going to make some noise,” Mr. Bass said. “The only thing I hope is that someone on the board takes note.”

The council spokesperson said authorities would contact the club to arrange a meeting in the new year.