THE HOME of one of Blackburn's longest-running social clubs is to be demolished to make way for a new bridge.

But members of the Railway Club have vowed to put up a fight and plan to set up home in a new location.

For 40 years they have congregated every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Freckleton Street premises for bingo, prize draws, and a chance to catch up with friends and family.

But members were devastated when Blackburn with Darwen Council told them the building would be subject to a compulsory purchase order.

It will be ripped down to make way for a new four-lane bridge across the rail track, linking to Bolton Road.

Long-standing member Eddie Duxbury, 74, of Arthur Way, said members would never forget the old club and all those who made it great.

He said: "The club, with its railway heritage, held a special place in the hearts of members. Everyone was welcome and friendliness was extended to all without parallel."

News of the forced closure first emerged in March but many dismissed it as rumour, having heard similar stories many times before. But it soon became apparent that the plans were going ahead this time. At the annual general meeting last week committee members voted unanimously to fight to save the club and find a new location. Blackburn with Darwen Council has offered to help find a new building nearby.

The club was the brainchild of a former train driver Frank Bond who, in the 1960s, had a vision of building a social club on vacant land next to the bridge across the rail track.

Club steward Karen Taylor, 44, said the club was a focal point of the community. She said: "We have 320 members right across the board from young kids to old people. I came here as a child and my children have done the same.

"It's a very friendly place and very family orientated. It's a focal point for us and it doesn't matter who or what you are."