Last updated at 16:28, Sunday, 06 January 2013

OFFICIALS at a Barrow working men’s club have extended the hand of friendship to the committee and members of a nearby club which shut on Saturday.

Barrow Engineers Club has recently changed its license, has a new manager, is forming a new committee and has plans to expand its sports and games facilities.

The venue in Abbey Road, Barrow has reverted from having club license to a premises license to give it more freedoms.

New manager Mark Naunton said all at the Engineers are sad to hear that The British Workmans Club, known as the Kill One, closed at midnight on Saturday as they appreciate the challenging circumstances for club and pubs.

Mr Naunton said the committee and members of the Kill One, in Duke Street, will be without a home, but they could continue the heritage of their club at the Engineers.

He said: “They could bring their heritage and identity here. The club could survive with ours.”

Mr Naunton said the Engineers wants to increase it sports and games offer over the coming months.

He said the door is open for discussions.

Mr Naunton said: “It’s an offer of friendship.”

The Kill One is understood to be Barrow’s oldest working men’s club.

The club was based in Hindpool Road from 1933, at the site where Blockbuster stands.

Carlsberg revealed it is only one of a number of creditors owed a “substantial amount of money” by the club, which is up for sale.

The club’s committee had looked at ways to rescue the club, such as trying to buy it, but this was unachievable.

It has two full-time staff and six part-time staff.

Staff at the Kill One said some members already use the Engineers and said they would be continuing to go there.

A committee member said the Kill One darts and snooker teams were due to be using the British Legion in future.

First published at 13:14, Sunday, 06 January 2013
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk