Bethnal Green Weightlifting Club faces axe after almost 100 years

Mr Bass, who has been running the club for about 50 years, said the current arrangement with the council allowed the club to operate as a registered charity and allowed people who could not afford fees to train for free.

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

“Anybody who comes in here, it’s a safe space. We don’t allow no nonsense up here.”

Mr Bass added that the club’s group of trustees got “just as much buzz” from those who “come in here and couldn’t lift nothing and then end up snatching 40[kg]” as they did “international’s who pull 350[kg]”.

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

“We’re gonna make some noise,” said Mr Bass. “The only thing I hope is that someone on the council is taking notice.”

The council spokesperson said the authority would contact the club to set up a meeting in the new year.