A CLUBHOUSE is once again scrambling for survival after decades serving the community.

West Witney Sports and Social Club in Burford Road is on the brink of collapse, and faces closure by Christmas if crucial committee members are not replaced.

Even if a new treasurer, chairperson and secretary step forward by next week, its dilapidated building throws doubt on its future.

Tina Wilson, the club’s current chairwoman, said: “If there isn’t a massive turnaround in the next month, we will be shut before Christmas.

“It brings a tear to my eye just thinking about the situation and how it’s got to this. It would be a massive, massive loss.”

The club was threatened with closure in 2012, when landlord Witney Town Council considered selling the site, and in 2014, when the council carried out a safety audit and demanded the club address concerns urgently.

It weathered both storms and Mrs Wilson said the committee and club users have since drawn up a plan for the future.

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The mother-of-two said about 700 people have family memberships, but added: “A lot of people won’t come in because of the state of the building.”

She said the club has spent up to £20,000 on the upkeep of the building, but the town council has offered ‘absolutely no support’.

Caterer Mrs Wilson said: “We’ve had pipes bursting, the electrics are completely shot and the buildings are just crumbling.”

Witney Town Council said the club, as a tenant, is ‘fully aware of its obligations with regard to the upkeep of the building.’

In a statement, it said: “Council officers were first made aware of the initial financial situation at an informal meeting with the chair on September 15.

“Subsequently, officers were advised that when the committee met on October 9, the financial situation was more positive as it was getting a lot more support from its membership, and were considering other fundraising opportunities.

“At no time has the club made a full disclosure to the council of its finances by producing its accounts and officially asking for financial help.”

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The town council said it has ‘worked hard over the years’ to ensure the building is safe for use, and has made grants available for works.

Its statement added: “The council has, for a number of years, been working with various stakeholders in order to come up with a solution to provide new and improved sporting facilities and it continues to do so as a matter of urgency.”

As the committee runs as a not-for-profit organisation, it requires a treasurer, chairperson and secretary.

The crucial hurdle in the short term is to fill those roles when the current team's terms end.

They must be appointed at an extraordinary general meeting, which will be held at the club at 7.30pm, on Friday next week.

Mrs Wilson has been involved in the club for almost 10 years, and chairwoman for three.

She said the town council has repeatedly ignored requests to draw up a new lease, meaning the club has less security in its tenancy.

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The club serves groups including Witney Lawn Tennis Club, two bowls clubs, Park Run, Tower Hill Football Club, darts and Aunt Sally teams.

Simon Barker, who is match secretary at the tennis club, said players have been using the site since the land was transferred from Smiths Industries to the council in the 1970s.

The Deer Park resident said he understands there is a covenant on the land, restricting its use to sports and recreation.

He said: “For years it’s been on a little bit of a precipice, in that we were never rolling in money, but it’s managed to survive.

“I do think there is a way forward, but it would need assistance from the town council.

“I don’t honestly know if the council want it to survive or not.”

Mr Barker said as well as the loss to the community if it closed, the empty building could become a magnet for antisocial behaviour and vandalism.

Anyone interested in helping to save the club can contact Mrs Wilson on 07540443916.

The meeting next week is open to all, including non-members.