Rumours of Hollins Park club's closure are untrue, in spite of fall in numbers (From Warrington Guardian)

Rumours of Hollins Park club's closure are untrue, in spite of fall in numbers

RUMOURS that Hollins Park Staff Recreation Club is set to close have been described as 'ridiculous' by the Winwick club's secretary.

Bob Cameron, committee member, believes the closure of the old psychiatric hospital sparked a decline at the Townsfield Lane social club - but its future is not in doubt.

He said: "The rumour that is going around Warrington that the club is closing is so ridiculous.

"Since the large Winwick Hospital was knocked down our financial situation has not been as it should be, we lost more than half of our members and the club committee has worked wonders to keep the club afloat.

"The 200 or so members who have been faithful are mostly senior citizens - they love their bingo, bowls and dominoes and it would be tragic if they lost the club. A few paint jobs and repairs are needed but we haven't given up and we will certainly not be closing this year."

The club opened in 1953, alongside one of the largest psychiatric hospitals in Europe.

But with the nearby nursing home closing in the late 80s and the hospital itself shutting in 1997, numbers have dwindled.

Mr Cameron, who has been on the committee for 22 years, said the club is looking for a benefactor or financial injection.

The 68-year-old said: "It would be nice to find a fairy-god person or persons who would come up with a donation to really help the club."

The secretary added that it is currently seeking to recruit fresh bowlers and new members to the make the most of its top-rate crown greens.