MEMBERS of a social club under threat of closure are attempting to raise thousands of pounds to reduce its debts.

The crisis-hit Cockfield Workingmen’s Club, near Bishop Auckland, must pay about £44,000 to the Inland Revenue by the end of September or it faces going into receivership.

Several members have come forward to join the club’s committee, and have started drawing up fundraising ideas to help foot the tax bill and keep the club open.

The club has been plagued with financial troubles for several months.

In March, an accountant for the Club and Institute Union stepped in to try to reduce an estimated £71,000 debt.

Since then, the figure has fallen to £44,000 and another court hearing will take place on September 30 to establish the final figure. About 100 members attended a meeting recently to discuss the club’s future and they pledged to continue the fight to keep it open.

Members suggested raising money through car boot sales, raffles, special events, and opening a members’ book to encourage more people to join.

A spokesman said: “I think if we open a new members’ book, it will generate more interest in the club.

“Then when the club’s debts are paid, those people would become fully-affiliated members.

“We are also hoping to get a few more existing members to join the committee. A lot of people are interested. We are hoping to get the tax bill down. Perhaps if we show some willing, they might give us some breathing space.

“But if we are not successful, the club will go into receivership in nine or ten weeks’ time.”

Club secretary Donald Metcalfe welcomed the extra committee members, and said it had been a difficult few years.

“It has been a hard struggle for five or six years for the four of us who run the club,” said Mr Metcalfe.

“The extra people will ease the pressure a bit.

“We are hoping this will be successful, and we are looking forward to it.

“The most important thing is that the club keeps going, that’s all I am bothered about.”