A HISTORIC Pershore landmark has been put up for sale after the current owners admitted defeat in their efforts to keep the business alive.
Committee members of Pershore Working Mens Club made the decision and blamed a lack of trade for the proposed sale of the High Street venue.
The decision to sell was made at an extraordinary general meeting earlier this month although committee member Pete Challenger told the Observer times had been especially tough for the past 12 months.
“It’s just a sign of the times, Saturday was a particularly low point when we only had 10 people in, anyone who knows the size of the building will know how quiet we were,” he said.
The building has been part of the fabric of Pershore’s High Street since 1847 and run as a working mens club for a number of years.
A vast number of events have been held at the venue, from local celebrations to numerous charity evenings to raise cash for a variety of good causes.
Committee members had even discussed the prospect of Pershore Town Council listing the venue as an Asset of Community Value (ACV).
Under the Localism Act, the building could have been purchased for the people of Pershore and kept in the community safe from development.
However despite detailed discussions councillors voted against the plans because of the costs involved.
But after agreeing to employ Florettes as agents to sell the premises, Pete said he and the committee hoped a company could be found to continue to run the venue as a licenced premises.
“We will endeavour to keep the club open until a sale goes through however this is not a guarantee,” he said.
Pete also quashed any rumours of an imminent sale and said there had been no interest from any companies or groups.
“It’s tremendously said because it’s been there for such a long time and is a focal point for many on the High Street,” he said.
“We will do all we can as a committee to keep going and hopefully the people of Pershore will show their support,” he added.
