A POPULAR social centre which has been the focus of a bitter legal wrangle has closed - 90 years after it first opened!

The final curtain fell on St. Austin's Catholic Men's Club, Thatto Heath, at an emotional farewell party held by members on Sunday night, and they returned next day to strip the building of their possessions.

The existing premises resulted from direct labour and fund-raising by members 40 years ago, but throughout its long life a lease was never issued by the Archdiocese of Liverpool - who own the land.

Since those early days the club has operated under licence on a 'gentleman's agreement' with a succession of parish priests, but an application for possession was made by the Archdiocese to St. Helens County Court in November.

The club council engaged a barrister to fight their case but, having been told they 'did not have a leg to stand on' because of the absence of a lease and the likelihood of massive costs, the decision was reluctantly taken not to proceed.

Said secretary Frank Pennington: 'There were few dry eyes when we said our goodbyes, and our members feel that though we have lost legally, ours is a moral victory in a sorry matter which is the talk of Thatto Heath.

'The keys have been lodged with parish priest Father Martin Kershaw. Eleven staff could be affected and billiards tables, furniture, fittings, , curtains, recording equipment etc have been stored, and we are looking for alternative premises to retain our community spirit.

'But we would not be allowed to continue under the name of St. Austin's, and it is a very sad time indeed for members who have remained loyal though good times and bad,' said Frank Pennington.

His views were echoed by 84-year-old Joe Finney, a member for 70 years, who felt very strongly about what would happen to the club's bowling teams. 'We have been told we can use the green and toilets for the rest of the season, but not the club,' he said.

An Archdiocesan spokesperson commented: 'The members club occupying parish property at St. Austin's consented to an Order of Court to vacate the premises by Monday, May 31.

'Arrangements will be made for the premises to open as St. Austin's parish centre, which will be available as a social centre for all parishioners and parish and community groups.'

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.