AN historic Bolton ex-services club which appeared doomed to closure has been saved.

Cllr Martin McLoughlin has stepped in to become chairman and, with a new committee, is determined to keep the United Service Veterans' Association club open.

The club had remained open even during the time when fears were growing for its future.

A BEN story detailed the demise of the Davenport Street club and former chairman Mr Paul Power blamed lack of support from members for its failings.

But a new committee was elected and Cllr McLoughlin believes the club will survive.

The brewery has promised to give the committee a chance to prove they can make it work and proposals to improve finances have already been put into place.

There will be more community involvement and acts designed to attract people into the club.

The club has debts of around £25,000 but Cllr McLoughlin, who has been a club member for 10 years, says a number of the bills can be paid off gradually.

A new venture is a children's disco on Sunday lunchtimes and a redecorating programme is already underway to try to improve the club's image.

The club is relying on donations and offers of manual help from members of the public and local firms.

They hope to encourage more involvement from the neighbourhood and can offer local groups the use of rooms.

Cllr McLoughlin said: "We want to involve the community and make the club a success.

"We believe we can do it."

It is good news, says Cllr McLoughlin, for a club which has been in existence since 1906.

Anyone who would like to help the club with either donations or physical help can contact Cllr McLoughlin on Bolton 409907.

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