TYLDESLEY Labour Club will close at the end of next month (writes BRIAN GOMM).

Founded in the town in 1910, and occupying its main street position since 1928, the club is the latest such victim of changing social trends.

Saddened club president Alan Parry, highlighted the decline which led to the in-debt Club handing voluntary possession of the premises to Carlsberg Tetley last October.

Mr Parry, in office for 15 years, remembers the glory days when the future looked bright at Lemon Street.

He said: "Unfortunately now we are in another era. The political side has gone. The old school are not being replaced by younger members. It ties in with a changing lifestyle.

"In the mid 80s after refurbishment membership went up and up to a peak of 1,500-plus. Currently we have 300 members plus honorary members, but now only about about 20 or so are regulars, which isn't enough.

"Our subs are £3 a year, but today people don't want to pay that. They'd rather spend £3 admission each time they visit clubs which are open until 2am."

Club secretary Colin Rothwell added:"People simply don't have the money to spend.

"Most of our members are on fixed incomes so when prices go up they don't spend anymore. They simply drink less or don't turn out as often."

At special meetings held last year members were told of the Club's financial plight before the decision was taken to hand the keys to the brewery last October.

The Club has continued in a caretaker role until a buyer could be found. With £87,000 owed to the brewery, plus VAT and tax bills to find, they've been fighting an uphill battle. Attracting customers to pay £1.29 for a pint of bitter, available elsewhere for around a pound, hasn't exactly brought customers flocking.

But that is the price the Club has had to pay - the discount it gets on beer sales is swallowed-up by the brewery loan agreement.

To offset debts the Club disposed of building land and sold the School Street stewards' house in 1995. In November of that year the Leigh and District Joint Labour Clubs Association folded.

Local Labour club casualties in recent years include Plank Lane, Atherton and Mosley Common.

On April 1 the premises become the property of Pentakan which has interests in other licensed premises in the Leigh area.

They are reputed to have paid £122,000 for the club.

Pentakan runs The Queens Hotel in Tyldesley, Culcheth's recently revamped New Inn and the Church Inn at Lowton.

Pentakon boss Frank Lowe promised the premises would not close.

The Club will be wound up at a final general meeting being held at 8pm on Wednesday, March 26, to which all members are invited to attend.

Secretary Mr Rothwell said on Tuesday:"We have been assured there will be sufficient funds from the sale to pay all creditors and staff dues and demands."

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