Threatened club saved from axe

A PROMINENT political club which was facing the axe has been reprieved — for the time being at least.

Uppermill Conservative Club in High Street staged an emergency meeting on Monday evening as the prospect of a complete shut-down loomed.

But a positive meeting with 50 members attending and the pledge of loans totalling £3,000 with the building as surety in the event of closure, has given the club some breathing space.

Chairman Ron Bunting said: “We did have a good meeting and we have come out of it — for the time being. It was proposed that we had interest-free loans from the members and we have got about £3,000 at the moment.

“But we are hoping more people, and particularly businesses will come forward because ideally we need at least a fund worth £5,000 to keep us on an even keel. And not every business is doing badly so we may well get support.”

Mr Bunting is also keen to push the attractions of the upstairs lounge for weddings and parties. The club was threatened by the credit crunch and saw a steady fall in takings.

The solid stone building had stood the test of time for 100 years but it appeared that its luck was running out.

The club took the step of arranging a crisis meeting in a last ditch attempt to save it and it appears to have succeeded at least in the short-term.

Anyone who can further assist the club is asked to call Mr Bunting on 01457- 820 374.