RICHMONDS Social Club in Latchford has served last orders for the final time and has closed its doors for good.

Regulars have been drinking and socialising in the popular club for decades, but they have now been forced to find another place to meet up.

The closure of Richmonds follows a trend of social spots disappearing in the area, including the loss of The Kingsway, Black Bear and Railway Inn.

Leslie Mitchell has been a local at the club for more than 40 years and believes it will be a great loss for the Latchford community.

“It’s very sad to see the club close as, for the older people who use the club like me, it’s the centre of our social scene,” he said.

“Having served many generations of locals, it will be greatly missed and another piece of our local history, heritage and community has disappeared.

“Latchford has suffered badly from this compared to other areas and it’s getting to the point where there’s going to be nothing left soon.

“People who live nearby have seen surveyors on the site and others taking ground samples, but Latchford needs more houses like a hole in the head.”

The land off Richmond Street was owned by Glen Dimplex Home Appliances, but they confirmed that this was sold in May to an unnamed buyer.