A HISTORIC Bolton club for ex-servicemen - the second oldest in Britain - could be forced to fold.

The United Service Veterans' Association has been in existence since 1906.

But a fall in attendances, just 40 of the 300 members regularly attend, has meant a plummet in finances at the Davenport Street club.

There is a lifeline on the horizon in the form of local businessman Alan McKendrey, but the members will make the final decision about the club's future tomorrow evening.

Chairman Mr Paul Power said the club desperately needed a "cash injection" but said he felt resigned to its probable closure.

"We need to get some money from somewhere, but if we don't then the club will close," he said.

Mr Power said he felt "really sick about it" but conceded that the likelihood of a financial backer who the members would agree to was "remote."

He firmly believes a lack of members' support has brought almost certain disaster on the club.

"We have been swamped with bills, we have the brewery to pay and the council rates," he added. "But unless we get people through the door, spending at the bar, then we just can't make ends meet.

"It is a tragic situation but we don't have any choice. It will be a sad day if the club has to close but we can't continue to go on like this."

Mr McKendrey, managing director of Bolton furniture store Division One, has offered a financial package to rescue the club.

He dismissed claims from members who thought he was making the offer in order to make "a quick killing."

He said: "I would put it in writing that I intend to keep the club open, but I would want to involve younger people and introduce more exciting acts and groups to perform.

"The place would have to be done up but I would intend to keep the snug for the older members who don't want to see any change."

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