A WORKING men's club is being forced to downsize as membership declines.

The club, in the Haughton area of Darlington, has submitted plans to the borough council to demolish part of the site and refurbish buildings.

The proposed scheme would see an old concert hall pulled down and a smaller one built. New parking areas would also be provided.

Club secretary Nigel Sidgwick said the membership figure of 1,200 was down on previous years.

He said: "We are making the place smaller because there are fewer people coming to the club. The club is being down-sized. We will be offering the same facilities, but with about a third of the size."

Plans have been drawn up by town architects Niven and Niven and Darlington firm Wharton Construction is to carry out the work.