A youth club set up by a former heavyweight boxer to help youngsters has been repeatedly targeted by vandals.

Lancing Youth Club had some of its windows smashed around September 16, just a week after it opened.

And now more of the windows have been destroyed in what has been described as a “sad state of affairs”.

The derelict building at Monks recreation ground, Lancing, was transformed by former heavyweight boxer Scott Welch to help tackle antisocial behaviour from children.

The Argus: Cracked windows on the front of the buildingCracked windows on the front of the building (Image: Supplied)

The youth club runs an education programme by the World Boxing Council to bring the principles of boxing, “diversity, sportsmanship and dedication” to vulnerable people.

“When I saw it, I thought that building alone sums up Worthing and West Sussex. Nothing works here, it has all gone to the pits”, said one man who reported the spate of damage to The Argus on October 10.

“This wonderful venture was for young people with a boxing club in Brighton contributing and even providing staff and mentors.

“It is very sad, a sad state of affairs. People live in fear.”

Only some of the windows were destroyed from the vandalism in September but now most of them have been smashed.

WBC Cares, which runs the youth centre, said it was fully aware of the vandalism but did not wish to comment as it did not want to aggravate those involved.

The Argus: The youth club opened on September 11The youth club opened on September 11 (Image: Supplied)

It is understood that building supply company Gardner & Scardifield will be providing metal shutters for the youth club.

Scott Welch, known as The Brighton Rock, told The Argus last September: “We thought that if we opened the building we could make a difference, it could help these children put their mind to something and achieve.

“I was in trouble with the police growing up, boxing sorted my life.

“There is a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow for these children, whether that be through boxing or any other sports we offer.”

Mike Mendoza, Lancing Parish Council chairman and leader, helped set up the youth club.

He said: "We have put a lot of effort into opening this youth club. I feel hurt and disappointed that this has happened.

"Scott said to a few of the people when he set it up that damaging the youth club would be damaging their own property."  

Sussex Police said it did not have a record of the vandalism.