A GROUP of pensioners in Westhoughton have been forced to move home.

The Westhoughton Old Aged Pensioners Association met in a clubhouse behind Church Street.

Mill owners Taylor and Hartley gave the land to the pensioners and donations from local folk and organisations, as well as money from fund-raising events helped them to build their premises in 1963.

The clubhouse was built using asbestos and over the years it served the pensioners well. It was used twice a week and for dances, carpet bowls, keep fit, Scout meetings, cage bird exhibits and dog training sessions.

But, under the new asbestos laws, repairs could not be carried out and the club members did not have the money to rebuild the clubhouse.

The land was sold to developers to build three detached homes and now the club meets at the Winifred Kettle Centre in Leigh Road on Tuesdays and Fridays from 7pm to 9pm.

New members would be welcome to attend and anyone interested in finding out more can ring Brenda Rideout on 01942 816613.