A LONG-ESTABLISHED social club is closing its doors for good at the end of this month.

Last orders will ring out at Heaton Park Sports and Social Club on Bury Old Road, having acted as a focal point for functions, charity events and party nights for at least 80 years.

The venue, formerly Heaton Park Working Men’s Club and nicknamed ‘The Workies’, also had its own football, snooker, darts and pools teams.

One of its heyday periods was in the 1980s, boasting such popularity that the owners extended the kitchen to cater for demand.

More recently, it has played host to popular music nights such as Bop Local.

But a fall in members, partially blamed on people socialising more at home and the smoking ban, has led to a re-think by the new owners.

In December, rumours started to spread that the club would close at the end of 2014, but that proved to be false.

However, the rumours resurfaced earlier this month when building work was seen to be going on at the back of the property.

Despite a charity fundraising event being held as recently as Saturday night, a spokesman confirmed: "Yes, the club is shutting at the end of the month.

"We were going to stay on, but changed our minds.

"We took over in November and had the upstairs open for two weeks.

"The customers that we have met have been fantastic and supportive."

Regulars at the club have been expressing their sadness at the news of losing a "local institution".

Alan Lee, aged 69, of Noreen Avenue, Prestwich, said: "I moved to the area 42 years ago and the club gave me a good introduction to Prestwich.

"I was lucky to get in when I did because there were 1,200 members back then and there was a waiting list.

"My two lads played for the pool team."

He added: "It has always been a really nice place to have a drink at. It has a welcoming atmosphere and it's such a shame that it is closing.

"A lot of people will be very sad to see it go, as many people will have had functions there over the years."

Speculation is rife over what will become of the site, with old people's accommodation already been touted on social media, but nothing has been confirmed.

The club spokesman added: "At the moment, I'm not sure what will happen.

"We will know more in the next two weeks."

* Do you have fond memories of The Workies? Let us know by e-mailing buryletters@burytimes.co.uk