Ludlow's Royal British Legion club faces closure

The Royal British Legion club in Ludlow could be forced to close after more the 65 years in the town due to financial problems, it was revealed today.

The club, based at Victory House in Mill Street since 1946, has seen takings hit due to the ongoing economic downturn, according to officials.

They say the club is 'close to the 'point of no return' and have urged people to rally behind them and 'use it or lose it'.

Jim Smithers, Victory House club secretary, described the club as a vital part of the community which would be missed if forced to close.

Over the past 10 years membership had halved from more than 700 to about 350. During the club's heyday there were more than 1,000 members.

Officials have declined to reveal details of the financial situation, but have said they need to see an upturn in use over the next few months to guarantee its future.

Mr Smithers, who met with club officials to discuss the situation yesterday, said: "We have got problems and they can only be helped with the support of our membership and the people of Ludlow. People need to use the club or face losing it.

"After World War Two the people of Ludlow and the surrounding area donated more than £1,600 to buy Victory House. It is a real focal point of the town.

"It is down to the economic climate that has hit everybody, and to be honest things have improved slightly over the past month. We have enough money to pay our bills at the moment but we are getting perilously close to the point of no return.

"It is not just the RBL which uses the building. There are groups like Teme Weirs Trust, Ludlow In Bloom and Clee Hill Bikers who also use it for meetings, and there are regular events held for local charities.

"If this club closes it will be missed. We want to encourage more people to support us but also for more people to become members."

A charity bingo night and prize draw will be held from 7pm today to help raise funds.