A MOTHER-of-three has declared war on men-only workingmen’s clubs after being refused entry to a bar because she is a woman.

Having been denied access to the bar room at Sacriston Workingmen’s Club (WMC), in County Durham, Christine Oxley, who helps run neighbouring Witton Gilbert WMC, has vowed to pursue her one-woman campaign “as far as it takes”.

The 35-year-old has written to Sacriston WMC, contacted the Equality and Human Rights Commission, taken legal advice and is considering a court challenge.

She said: “It is a point of principle.

Why should they get away with not letting women into the bar? It is sexist.

“I want my rights as a lady to go into the bar.”

Miss Oxley, of Durham Gardens, Witton Gilbert, was refused entry to the bar at Sacriston WMC on Friday night, while visiting with the mixed darts team from Witton Gilbert WMC, where she has been a committee member for the past six months.

She said a Sacriston WMC committee member suggested she stay in its lounge or big room.

She said: “I knew they would refuse me access. I said: ‘Are you sure?’ I said I would take it further. He shrugged his shoulders. I was disgusted. I was really annoyed.”

Men-only WMC bars were banned under the Equality Act 2010, which came into force in October last year.

No one at Sacriston WMC responded to The Northern Echo’s request for comment on Miss Oxley’s case.

However, Brian Young, secretary of the Club and Institute Union’s Durham branch, said no female members of Sacriston WMC had complained, and questioned why “people from outside” were “making waves”.

He said clubs were gradually adapting to the Equality Act, but should be allowed a changeover period.

He said: “A little transition period would be acceptable when you have got bars that have been male-only for 100 years.”

Miss Oxley said the change was happening too slowly.

Earlier this year, Mill View Social Club, in Sunderland, was accused of sexual discrimination after a committee member asked a woman to leave because it “upset the regulars”.