A CLUB for old soldiers could be plunged into a financial crisis if council plans to remove an advertising billboard go ahead.

The Empire Services Club, off Fishergate Hill, has been entertaining locals since 1922. But a proposed council clean-up could leave the not-for-profit club perilously short of cash.

An advertising hoarding attached to the club's fence brings members about half their annual income. But the board could soon come down under the council's clean-up operation plan.

A decision is expected to be made at Preston City Council's next planning committee meeting on Monday, July 22.

Secretary of the 800-member Empire Services Club Bill Freeman, of Warton Street, Broadgate, said: "If we didn't have the money coming in then the only option we would have is to increase charges.

"In the long-run it would seriously affect the club."

The advertising board is one of five in the area that could be removed. They have been located on fencing in Fishergate Hill for decades, and in the early nineties were granted official permission by the council. But the permission has run out and council chiefs want them removed.

The council report states: "The hoardings and fence disfigure the streetscape."

A spokesman for the council added: "Fishergate Hill is a conservation area, so we have a duty to preserve it.

"It is a key gateway to the town. The hoardings haven't got planning permission, but because they have been there for so long its almost like we have turned a blind eye.

"But now we are recommending to take steps to have them removed."

Money from Maiden Outdoor Advertising, who own the hoarding, goes to the Empire Services Club to help run its two large bowling greens.

One suggestion the council has made is to replace the fence and hoardings with railings which could incorporate advertisements.

But Mr Freeman fears the security of the club could be put at risk without sealed fencing.

A council spokesman said: "We have tried to negotiate about how we could incorporate advertising within new railings. There would be a bit of revenue for them.

"Revenue they get from the adverts will be taken into account.

"There is still an option for them to put their case."