Sporting facilities at welfare will live on

A spokesman for Welbeck Miners’ Welfare Trust said the rugby, football and bowls facilities would be kept going using the same model as other closed welfare clubs such as Blidworth and Ollerton.

But the trust, which owns and ran the welfare, is hopeful the much-loved recreation club’s bar and games room facilities will not stay empty.

Said the spokesman: “We would like to see it used by a third party or as a cooperative.

“We are looking at a moderate rent bearing in mind the age of the building.

“And it would be ideal to give a business a good start, as we would consider the first six months rent-free to enable them the best chance of making it a success.”

The spokesman said several interested parties had already come forward but the sooner a tenant was found the better to avoid vandalism at the site.

He added: “Seeing the site occupied would be a much better option than having it demolished, as that would involve a demolition order and be a lot more expense.

“And you could not build on the site without destroying the sports facilities.”

It was also confirmed that papers were signed on Tuesday last week which put the limited company which ran the club’s facilities into official administration.