A WORKING Men's Club has closed after 104 years, crippled by the slump in the economy of the Rossendale Valley.

Waterfoot Working Men's Club had struggled on without heating for eight weeks until officials finally had to close the doors.

The decision to call time was made at a committee and members' meeting.

Chairman Carol Carter said: "The club had struggled over the past few years. Attendances dropped off and it didn't help when we had no heating.

"I broke down and cried when we closed. All the committee members and some members of the club tried their best to keep it going.

"At the closure meeting I asked for members to come forward and join the committee, but nobody did."

But the closure may not be the end of the Ashworth Street building.

Footwear market traders Jim and Alyson Fleming, of Hardman Drive, Cowpe and Alyson's sister Linda Berisford, of West View, Waterfoot are hoping to re-open it as a private members' social club.

Alyson said: "Nothing is definite yet but if everything goes to plan we will refurbish the building, including re-upholstery and new carpets and decoration."

Mr and Mrs Fleming have been club members for several years. Nobody is sadder at the closure of the club than life member Mark Brown.

Traffic warden Mark, 61, of Fairfield Avenue, Edgeside served as president, chairman, trustee, temporary secretary and temporary treasurer during a 30-year connection with the club.

Mark became the club's first life member four years ago.

He said: "The club had more than 400 members in the 1970s and a waiting list.

"But in recent years it has struggled to make ends meet as industry in the area has been decimated with the closure of three big footwear factories.

"Times have changed and clubs can't survive on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening takings.

"It was like a community centre at its peak."