Support may not save social club

Catherine Phillips 25 April 2008 Worcester Standard

CAMPAIGNERS battling to save a troubled social club in Malvern believe the closure will go ahead despite their best efforts.

Richard Burt, the Liberal Democrats prospective parliamentary candidate for West Worcestershire, said that it seemed likely the closure of Malvern Civil Service Sports Club in Spring Lane will go ahead as planned on Wednesday, April 30.

He said this was despite nearly 300 residents showing overwhelming support for retaining the club as a community facility in a questionnaire delivered by Mr Burt and fellow Lib Dem county councillors Penelope Morgan and Clive Smith.

Mr Burt said: "It seems the closure will go ahead as planned at the end of this month but we will of course remain alert to any last minute opportunities to save the club."
They had hoped a consortium of groups who use the venue would bid to lease the club but, although they found two interested groups, others had made alternative arrangements to continue their activities elsewhere.

The trio also fear the land will be sold off to a large supermarket chain after Mr Burt claimed the chief executive of the Civil Service Association refused to confirm or deny the rumour they had received a bid from Tesco.

Mr Burt added: ”Local people have told us loud and clear they do not want another supermarket in Spring Lane, so there may well be a future battle ahead.”