Worthing fight for survival

Basketball

Worthing Bears will fold next week unless supporters of the ailing Budweiser League club can raise pounds 30,000.

Directors of the three-times Wembley Championship play-off winners are backing the fans' initiative, which seeks six pledges of pounds 5000 each from local business or individuals.

Any pledge of that sum would be invited to form a management committee headed by one of the club's directors.

In return, Worthing directors would not sell the club, commit to keep it in Worthing and endeavour to field a competitive team this coming season.

A spokesman for the supporters, Christian Hamilton, said that fans had to try and explore every avenue in an attempt to save the club, and if the required sum is not raised in a week all pledges will be returned. He said: "This appeal may be the last chance."

Bears have operated in Worthing for 10 years and are locked in a desperate fight for survival following Worthing Borough Council's decision to refuse them financial support.