THE BAR where Martin Bell celebrated his 1997 sensational general election victory is closing.

Macclesfield Borough Council yesterday (Tuesday) confirmed that Knutsford Leisure Centre's bar would close next month despite their best efforts to keep it open.

"Turnover has declined and staffing costs have increased but it is making a loss," said a spokesman. "It is clear that it is not well used.

"The news is disappointing but we have tried various things to encourage people to use the bar and it has not been a success."

Attempts by the council to improve usage of the bar by offering drink promotions, reviewing opening hours and staffing levels have failed.

In the financial year 200/2001 profits were down by almost £1,000.

Visitors to the centre found out the news last week when signs were displayed around the building.

But an angry resident, who did not want to be named, said that visitors to the bar would have tried to save its closure had they known about it sooner.

"I've been playing sport there for well over 20 years and I often go into the bar for a refreshing drink afterwards," he said. "But then out of the blue a notice appeared saying that the bar will close in February. "Lots of people use the facility and I'm sure if they had given us the chance we could have come up with a way of saving the bar from closure."

In 1997 Independent MP Martin Bell celebrated his victory over former Tory minister Neil Hamilton with a party, attended by singer David Soul.

Among the party guests was cameraman Peter Sharratt, who filmed part of the 1997 election battle.

He said the bar was an important amenity in the town.

"Anything that reduces the services on offer to the town is regrettable," he said. "Knutsford needs somewhere like the leisure centre and the bar.

"I do use both facilities and it is good to have the bar as it serves as a social club for visitors. But unfortunately all services do have costs."

ssmith@guardiangrp.co.uk