(Image: STUART BOULTON)
The future of a 72-year-old County Durham social club has been thrown into doubt after its committee was told it had until New Year's Eve to leave its premises.
The committee of the GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Sports and Social Club in Barnard Castle announced on Friday (September 25) that it had been formally given notice to vacate its premises by December 31.
GSK confirmed it would be "bringing the sports and social Club building and surrounding land into direct company use."
In a statement to members, the club's committee said: "Please be assured that the committee remains fully committed to the future of the club and to protecting the interests of our members. We will keep everyone fully informed of developments and progress along the way as soon as we are in a position to do so."
The club was founded in 1946 and initially operated from rented premises in Queen Street before moving into its present building in 1954.
Over the decades it has been extended and refurbished to accommodate a growing membership and a wide range of sporting and social activities.
It includes a gym, squash courts, bars, function rooms and meeting spaces, while hosting weddings, christenings, birthday celebrations, charity events and community groups.
A petition calling for the protection of the site has garnered more than 850 signatures, saying: "Our town is facing an imminent threat to a cherished community gem."
Carol Bell, who organised the petition, said: "Losing this venue would not only take away our largest social and event space but also a critical resource that fosters community spirit."
News of the latest development sparked an outpouring of reaction on social media.
Jordon Tomlinson described the club as "a massive community hub for this town".
He said: "We've all been to weddings, christenings and funerals here; countless memories have been made here.
"There's so many local communities that use the space for different needs, local charities that use it as their base, the fundraisers for local and national charities, the clubs for the disabled, the elderly, the glaxo retired staff clubs, the exercise classes, the gym, the squash court, the family nights.
"The club is an asset the town can't afford to lose, and something needs to be done about this."
Lynn Dobson said she had held her wedding reception at the venue in 1990 and had "such great memories" of the club.
A GSK spokesperson said: “Barnard Castle is a key site in GSK’s global manufacturing network. Recent investments totalling around £120 million are supporting state-of-the art upgrades to our facilities there to support continued production of medicines that benefit patients around the world.
"Alongside this, we need to make sure we’re making the best use of our land and facilities to support current and future operations.
"As part of this, following a review of arrangements and discussion with local stakeholders, we are bringing the sports and social club building and surrounding land into direct company use.
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“We sincerely appreciate everything the club has contributed over many years.
"The commitment, enthusiasm, and dedication of successive committee members and volunteers have created opportunities for colleagues, families and members of the wider community to come together, build relationships, and enjoy activities outside of work.
"The club has been an important part of the site's history and culture, and that contribution is recognised.”