Kirkholt Working Men's Club bulldozed after 58 years

Councillor Richard Farnell watches as builders demolish Kirkholt Workingmen's Club

Kirkholt Working Men's Club has been demolished after 58 "glorious years".

The social club first opened on the estate in 1958 and has been serving up pints and calling bingo for almost six decades.

It was very much the heart of the community but, like many clubs in the town, membership dwindled as people's drinking habits changed.

Former club secretary Vernon Earnshaw, who still lives on the estate, said: "Sadly, it has gone the way of many social clubs as leisure habits have changed. It's a real shame. People have enjoyed some very happy times there. It was one big family. Communities need a focal point and on Kirkholt it was our club. We're losing our community spirit.

"Lots of people tried very hard to keep it going right to the end, but it was too much of a battle competing with cheap alcohol from the big supermarkets. They have killed off the clubs."

Local Councillor Richard Farnell said: "This is a really sad day for the estate. It's the end of an era. Local people have very fond memories of the club and spent many happy hours there. It was the heart of Kirkholt: running football clubs, putting on top acts, hosting weddings and parties as well as pulling pints."