THE closure of a historic social club that has been open for more than 100 years will be a big loss to the community, councillors have said.

Kearsley Social Club on Manchester Road announced on Thursday that it will "close permanently".

The announcement follows a planning application which was submitted to Bolton Council to knock down the club and build 24 flats in its place.

A decision on the proposals is expected to be made by the end of May.

Farnworth and Kearsley First councillor Julie Pattison said a meeting was held a few weeks ago to see if the venue could remain open and be run by by residents but a solution was not found.

Cllr Pattison said: “There is a lot of disappointment that the club is being closed.

"As a community people will be very sad.

“We do understand why the owner made the decision though.

"We wish the new owners good luck.”

Kearsley independent councillor Paul Heslop acknowledges the demand for housing in the area but bemoans the impact the closure will have on the community.

He said: “It’s another tragic case of Kearsley suffering.

It’s a huge loss to the community, it’s been there for over 100 years.

“There will be no civic or social amenities left for the people of Kearsley if they keep getting snapped up.”

Conservative councillor Mark Cunningham, who also recognises the need for new homes in the town, added: "It is a sad loss from a social point of view.

"We hope members of the club will be able to find a new home."