Ref. 29672-10A WORKING men's club with 70 years of history is set to close unless it can find £12,000 within a fortnight.

The Milton Club in Milton Road is appealing to its 350 members to save the club from being forced to close its doors

A decline in the popularity of working men's clubs generally is thought to be at the heart of the problem.

The club's plight was recently spelled out in an information sheet distributed by the officers and committee to members.

It said in part: "Following a meeting with a member of the Inland Revenue's recovery staff on Friday, March 19, the outstanding debt was agreed at £12,000.

"The Inland Revenue stressed that unless this outstanding balance was paid urgently, they would commence winding-up procedures.

"Anyone, especially those who have attended the recent meetings, who tries to pretend that this situation is not real is sadly deluding themselves.

"There is no time left. There won't be any more meetings."

As well as its debt to the Inland Revenue, the club owes £8,000 in VAT and has an overdraft and bank loan totalling £100,000.

The club its membership is made up of both men and women offers a bar, snooker room and skittle alley as well as an internet caf, and also hosts several games teams who play in local leagues.

Membership costs £10 per year.

Bar manager Chris Galt, 46, said it would be a tragedy if it had to close, but that unless the money for the tax bill could be raised within a fortnight, closure would probably follow a short time after the deadline.

She added: "This is a hub of the community, and has been for decades.

"Now it's in danger, and we are hoping people will rally round to come to its help.

"Lots of people come here the atmosphere is wonderful.

"I've been working here on and off for 14 or 15 years."

Club secretary Gordon James, 54, said: "We have members aged from 18 to their 80s.

"The club has served generations of Swindon people. We have got one member who has been coming here for about 40 years.

"There are not many clubs like this, because a lot of them have closed down over the years.

"All I can say to the members now is that as many as possible should come and support their club.

"If we want to keep it open, that's the only way to do it."

Mr James said a number of factors had contributed to the club's problems.

One is that, although drinks prices remain competitive, they no longer have as clear an edge as before over large chain pubs that are able to offer drinks at knockdown rates because they buy stock in huge quantities.

Another is that fashions move on, and there is some difficulty in recruiting members among younger people.

Anybody who feels able to help is urged to contact the club on 01793 521315 or email it at themiltonclub@btconnect.com.

Barrie Hudson