A PROPOSAL which could force working men's clubs in Bolton to close is unlikely to become law, according to an MP.

David Crausby, MP for Bolton North-east, is confident that legislation to remove jackpot machines from non-profit making members' clubs would be rejected.

Instead, he believes working men's clubs will be given greater support by the government.

And he has tabled a motion in the House of Commons urging the government to introduce legislation to protect their long-term viability.

Mr Crausby is a member of CORCA, an organisation which represents members' clubs. He is concerned that removing jackpot machines would slash the revenues of clubs, a proposal made under recommendation 70 of the Gambling Review Report.

Mr Crausby's motion asked the Commons to note the "valuable community work carried out by non-profit making private members' clubs".

He said their five million members nationwide benefited from "the many social and recreational activities" which the clubs provided.

He said: "The main reason for recommendation 70 is to prevent children from gambling but I believe there are other ways to do that, including setting aside an area where under-18s are not permitted.

"These clubs are vital for the community and I would like to see legislation which supports them and prevents their closure."

Club bosses have feared they would be forced to shut if the recommendation was introduced since jackpot machines are a big money spinner.

Earlier this week, Dr Brian Iddon, MP for Bolton South-east, presented a petition to Parliament on behalf of five Labour Clubs in the town.

It was drawn up by members of Farnworth and Kearsley Labour Club, the Derby Ward Labour Club, the Rumworth Labour Club, the Dixon Green Labour club, and the Bradford Ward Labour Club.

Richard Caborn, minister for sport, is overseeing the biggest shake-up in the country's gambling laws for 30 years.

He said: "We shall consider very sympathetically the strong points made to us that recommendation 70 would have a damaging impact on many clubs and the communities they serve."

Mr Caborn, however, stressed that children would be an issue. "Many of the clubs cater for families," he said.

Organisations across Bolton have written to Bolton's three MPs expressing concern that the proposed legislation would reduce the number of customers.

The controversial recommendation is part of 176 drawn up by the independent Gambling Review Body.

A review of the gambling laws began in April 2000 and a report was published on July 17, 2001.

Recommendations include allowing live music where there are gambling facilities and permitting more than 10 slot machines in casinos. It would also allow non-members to enter casinos.