East Lothian Courier | News | Future of Juniors social club is now hanging by a thread

Thursday, 20th November, 2008

Published: Thursday, 7th August, 2008 08:00

Future of Juniors social club is now hanging by a thread

CONCERNED officials at Tranent Juniors Social Club are on tenterhooks this week as they wait to hear whether East Lothian Council will – belatedly – save them from financial ruin.

Chairman James Bannerman told the Courier that he was “quite perturbed” that the local authority was yet to contact club officials, who had expected a final answer on their appeal for a loan – to clear thousands of pounds in debt, accumulated over the past two years – last week.

Mr Bannerman admitted that – despite a slight increase in the number of functions held at the club recently – without financial assistance from the council the club was sure to cease trading.

“I’m still pessimistic – we really need this help from the council,” he explained.

“If we don’t get it I can see the club shutting up shop.”

He added that the previous Labour-led administration had pledged to support the club two years ago, but the management committee were now “back at square one” since last May’s elections.

It’s understood that the club’s debts currently stand at around £20,000.

Dwindling membership, a lack of community support and rising running costs have all contributed to its decline, said Mr Bannerman.

Tranent and Elphinstone Community Council chairman Raymond Strang said: “It’s unfortunate that the social club seems to be facing imminent closure, as it has been there for years and serves as a meeting place for various local groups.

“Perhaps the position of the club, coupled with the performance of the football team over a number of years, has led to it not being as popular a venue as it once was.”

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