CAMPAIGNERS working to save a Winwick social club from being bulldozed are encouraging people to continue to use the facility.

They say that since news broke of a planning application to demolish Hollins Park Staff Recreational Club, off Newton Road, bookings have dropped dramatically.

But regular users of the centre still believe that they can save the building, and are in discussions with the developer to find a way of accommodating the facility within the proposed new development.

Bob Cameron, club secretary, said: "We really need people to use the centre but they seem to think that because these plans have gone in, we are going to be closed down.

"We are even hiring the room for free now and giving people booking the room £25 to encourage them to come here."

Inventures - Innovation For Health Care submitted plans to the borough council back in January, with the hope of building an office unit on the site.

The application stated that the club was disused, despite bowling, snooker, bingo and functions all taking place there regularly.

But once the developer realised this, representatives met with club users to discuss ways of saving the facility.

Hollins Park used to be the social club for staff at the old Winwick Hospital, and it celebrated its 50th anniversary earlier this year.

If you would like to book Hollins Park Staff Recreational Club for a function, contact the steward on 634819 after 7pm on any day.