READERS are reacting to calls on the community from the Barrow MP to help secure the future of a 95-year-old sports club in dire straits.

Simon Fell, MP for Barrow and Furness, is rallying for the public to raise cash for Hawcoat Park Community Sports Club.

Here's what our readers had to say.

Stuckinthemiddles said: "Vickers Sports Club should be saved and every effort should be made by the council and MP. The town can not afford to lose facilities like this. With all the pitches, greens and courts the place can host a large amount of teams and get the social scene buzzing once we are through COVID. It's good to see that all commenters agree as well even though we have our differences on other articles. That goes to show Barrow needs places like this because it really does mean a lot to everyone. I don't know the ins and outs of how it runs but it has all the facilities to provide a wide range of functions. I think if they concentrated on getting community teams from juniors right through to seniors they will have kids, their parents the regular teams and seniors all with families who can provide large numbers of users. Socially they can use the bar and hall to provide entertainment and function. I just think if it goes then its another community facility gone and Barrow needs this."

Junction 36 said: "What an asset to the community to lose if it does go. What happened, the place was thriving in the 70s and 80s with sports mad adults and kids. I hope the land has some sort of sports covenant on it that stops any housing development."

Mort E Vicker said: "This place needs to be self sufficient, if not it can go to the wall like other concerns and should not expect Government funding via tax payers or support from the local council. Far more important are social services, community care, improved transport, higher pay for council workers and others who work in the community. Give money to keep an anachronistic place such as this up and running? I don't think so, how long before they are sticking their hands out again? Bah humbug to all involved, they are all on ego trips. Why not try for lottery funding and stop leeching off the man/woman in the street, who are finding it hard enough as it is in the prevailing economic climate."

Noah Manson said: "Very sad, but it's a sign of the times. Those that want to play sport will have to find somewhere else because the writing is on the wall for this place. Prime building land too."