THE chairman of an historic Bolton ex-servicemen club today offered its facilities for use by the community.

Cllr Martin McLoughlin appealed to people in the Davenport Street area to make the most of their local United Service Veterans' Association club.

The club - the second oldest in Britain - was under threat of closure until a new committee recently put its weight behind turning its fortune around.

Cllr McLoughlin said: "It has not been easy but the club is staying open. We are fighting on and paying our bills.

"Now we want the local community to use the club."

A new committee was installed last month.

Various professionals help to market the venue and "keen" individuals and members of the community have offered their help. Local businesses have also shown an interest and donated decorating materials.

Discussions are now underway with the Probation Service to enlist help from ex-offenders.

The ground floor of the club, which saw its 90th birthday last year, is a licensed area with large rooms available for community groups upstairs.

Anyone who would like to help the club or donate old furniture isb asked to contact Cllr McLoughlin on 409907.

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