Petition set up to save Joeys club in Sutton from demolition

A planning application has been submitted to Ashfield District Council to demolish the club, at 71 High Pavement, and build a three-storey apartment block to the front of the site, and six terrace and four semi-detached family houses to the rear.

The applicant is listed as Rachael Oxspring, and a decision is due by October 5, 2022.

The application has seen a lot of comments added to the council’s online planning portal, from people who still use it as a place to drink and socialise, or as members of the groups that it hosts, such as darts and poker teams.

A petition has now been launched by Martin Dudley, who writes: “Joeys has been a part of the community for many, many years and most people in the area have a connection to it either personally or through friends and family.“It is a safe space for a lot of the older people in our community to be able to socialise in a warm, friendly environment. If Joeys disappears a lot of these people will become alone and isolated. Joeys has been a hub for the community, helping out when needed.”

The petition can be found going to Change.org and searching for Save Joeys.On the council’s website, people have commented about the application.

Ross Booth, of Sutton, writes: “This should not be allowed to go ahead. This is a landmark in Sutton every on knows this social club. I go myself to play poker there once a month and pop in for a drink as well.”

And Laura Ross comments: “I am a local business owner of Star Boutique on King Street in Sutton. I strongly object to this. We need local businesses open, Sutton needs help with keeping what we have, not taking it away. More flats/housing for down and out people who aren't going to be working and putting money into the system, absolutely crazy idea.”

Rachael Oxspring is in the Nottingham Property Department of the Diocese of Nottingham.

A statement from Diocese of Nottingham reads: “After much consideration and consultation with the parish, the Diocese of Nottingham has taken the decision not to renew the Club’s lease and is committed to demolish the building and redevelop the site for housing.

“It is felt that this decision makes best use of the land, and is particularly timely due to the Club’s lease coming to an end. It is also apparent that the Club is experiencing some unfortunate financial difficulties and has been for several years. We will continue to work with the Club in order to ensure a smooth and amicable transition for all.

“It is acknowledged that the Club has, in the past, made a significant contribution to the life and to the finances of the parish community. However, like many similar clubs, the attendance, and hence the financial viability of the club, have declined rapidly over a number of years.”