Town councillors have explained what triggered the shock closure of the biggest community building in Patchway, which has sparked so much controversy that the council have warned people left fuming about it they will involve the police if threats of violence continue.
Patchway Sports and Social Club suddenly closed its doors on Monday, October 1, and since then the club’s website and Facebook page is down, leaving the community reeling and people who had booked functions there demanding their money back.
Rumours, controversy and speculation has been rife in the week since the sudden closure, but some of those involved have posted on social media to explain that a new committee of the club had recently taken over and discovered the club was in serious debt and could no longer continue to operate.
On Friday afternoon, Patchway Town Council issued a statement confirming that the town council – which owns the large venue in the heart of Norman Scott Park – had prompted the closure by reminding the new committee that the club’s insurance on the building had lapsed.
Faced with taking out new insurance – a bill that they couldn’t meet – those in charge of the club were left with no option but to close immediately – and then work to put together a rescue plan.
The closure left some people so upset that there have been reports of instances of members and town council staff being threatened. So much so that Patchway Town Council’s statement ended: “Patchway Town Council would like to state that any threats or violent behaviour from members of the public towards Town Council staff and the staff or existing members of Patchway Sports and Social Club will not be tolerated and will result in police involvement.”
The town council explained the insurance situation was the final straw for the club.
“On Monday 1st October 2024, it was verbally confirmed by Patchway Sports Social Club to Patchway Town Council that the insurance of the building has lapsed,” the statement from the town council said.
“On the afternoon of Monday 1st October 2024, Patchway Town Council issued a letter to Patchway Sports and Social Club to remind them of their obligations under the lease agreement held with the Town Council. The Club cannot operate legally without insurance. The safety of all patrons, employees and users is paramount.
“Patchway Sports and Social Club confirmed they would close the building with immediate effect due to the severe breach of this lease agreement. This decision wasn’t taken lightly by the Patchway Sports and Social Club,” it added.
The town council said club members and the town council are now looking at the future of the club itself.
“Patchway Town Council have expressed the need to consult all membership of the Patchway Sports and Social Club is of paramount importance and should be done imminently. Patchway Sports and Social Club members will be informed of a ballot process to consider the future of the Patchway Sports and Social Club.
“Patchway Town Council remain committed to this community asset and are deeply disappointed at the situation,” the council statement added.
“Patchway Town Council have no responsibility for the running of the Patchway Sports and Social Club and are merely landowners of the site in which the building resides on. Patchway Sports and Social Club are governed by their own constitution, under the control of their membership,” it added.
Organisers of Patchway’s big Remembrance Day commemorations, which sees a parade through Patchway that ends at the Sports and Social Club with a ceremony in the car park, say it is still going ahead – albeit without the facility open for people to gather for a drink afterwards.