Coddon Sports and Social Club in Donnington to close

One of the oldest civil service clubs in Shropshire - Coddon Sports and Social Club in Donnington - is to close next year, it was revealed today.

The club opened on Wellington Road in June 1966 after moving from COD Donnington.

But members have now been told it is running at a loss and the committee has been forced to make a decision to close the doors on April 2.

Carol Talbot, stewardess for the last 22 years, said it was a very sad day for all members who treated the club as their "family."

Mrs Talbot said six part-time members of staff ran the club but it was no longer financially viable.

The club has about 250 associate members but members no longer use it.

Mrs Talbot said: "The Civil Service have been down and laid everything on the table for us and the committee have had to make a decision.

"We knew we couldn't carry on. We are losing money and we haven't got the funds. Twenty-two years ago, I did my first Christmas and New Year and said I wouldn't do any more but I'm still here."

She added: "The place was always full and now when we don't have our bowlers we are very quiet."

The club was built in June 1966 and an extension was added in December 1987.

Ernest Hedgecock, 77, from Ketley Bank, said he had been a member since 1948 and was devastated at the closure of the club which he used every day.

"I feel terrible. I don't feel so much for myself but for the youngsters that are coming through playing snooker and bowls," he added.

"It's a matter of life for them - we keep them off the streets. They come in with their parents and we teach them how to play dominoes and they dance on a Saturday night"