HIGHFIELD Working Men’s Club, Darwen, has been hit by both the credit crunch and a circulating rumour that it is to close for good.

The club, currently run by a committee after the departure of the former steward, has found business affected by the unfounded rumour reaching both suppliers and prospective cust-omers.

Committee member Lois Thornber, 65, said: ‘‘We're still taking bookings. It’s a shame because people think we’re closing down and it’s not true.”

The club faces a similar struggle to working men’s clubs across the region in the current climate.

She said: ‘‘Everybody’s struggling at the moment. I know a club in Black-burn has had to close its dance hall because they weren’t getting any bookings.

‘‘Everybody on the committee is doing their best but it’s hard work. I’m doing the books, the men are doing the maintenance work and the women are behind the bar. Nobody is taking any payment for it.”

A fund-raising jumble sale will be held at the club, based at 1 Ratcliffe Street, next Tuesday at 6pm. For membership information, call 01254 701276.