A GROUP of runners have handed a lifeline to an ailing Liberal club in Darwen.

Beer sales have risen at Hollins Grove Liberal Club on Falcon Avenue since the Darwen Dashers adopted the club as their headquarters.

But officials fear the extra income still won't save the club from going under.

Treasurer Brian Stamp said: "It helps us having the Dashers here because our beer sales are up and they also rent out rooms when they meet. They also hold charity events which bring between £300 and £400 to the club when they hire a room. But this isn't enough to save the club."

Dwindling membership plus a council rate increase of £3,000 and an insurance rise of £2,500 has hit the club badly. Membership has dropped from 700 to 300 in recent years.

Mr Stamp said: "The club's future is so insecure, we have been unable to book events in. If people express an interest, there is no guarantee we will be here one day to the next."

The club's managers are currently talking with accountants about the next step.

Blackburn with Darwen Council rejected outline planning permission for the club's former bowling green to be turned over to housing after residents and bowlers petitioned against the move. Club members applied to Government planning inspectors to overturn the decision and the club will hear the final verdict in the coming weeks.

Mr Stamp said: "We will have to sell the land to keep the club going."

The 130-strong Dashers meet at the club twice a week for late afternoon runs. Maureen Roberts, 67, who was recently made an honorary member, said: "We've had our base in the club since October and it's going really well."

Coun Mike Barrett said: "It is a sign of the times that the Liberal Club is facing competition from other pubs and clubs."