A CLUB with about 1,000 members has sent shockwaves through a Hampshire community by closing its doors after more than 60 years.

The Waterside Sports and Social Club, originally set up for staff at Fawley refinery in the early 1950s, has folded following the failure of a financial rescue plan.

Based in an old cinema in Long Lane, Holbury, the club provided a raft of activities for people living in the area.

Last night insiders said it had debts of about £160,000 and had ceased trading with the loss of several jobs after being declared insolvent.

The decision was taken at an emotional meeting of members - some of whom are said to have been in tears. 

A statement issued by the club's directors praised the staff for supporting it through difficult times and described the decision to close it just before Christmas as "heartbreaking".

Run as a limited company the club boasted football and cricket pitches, plus tennis courts, outdoor bowling greens and function rooms.

But the huge site is dominated by the former Esso cinema - a 300-seat venue now known as the Waterside Theatre.

It was used for school productions and shows staged by the Waterside Theatre Company (WTC), which said its members were "heartbroken" at the closure and the cancellation of its pantomime.

Cinderella was due to be staged at the theatre at the end of next month.

A spokesman said: "WTC is still a going concern and we will endeavour to stage shows in the future if a suitable venue can be found, but our immediate priority is to ensure that anyone who has booked and paid for tickets will get a refund."

Other people also took to social media to express their shock and dismay at the club's sudden demise.

Debbie Dixon said: "I lost my job yesterday - Waterside Sports and Social Club closed its doors after many years.

"I am heartbroken. I loved that place - it's been a part of my whole life as my dad worked for Esso." 

Fellow employee Shannon Thomas said: "Esso club has been my first and only job. I have worked there for three-and-a-half years and it has become my life.

"To those staff who, like me, are now out of a job I wish you the best of luck. You are all amazing. You can (and will) achieve great things."

One of the groups that used the facilities, Waterside Taekwondo Club, said: "Our thoughts are with the staff who have lost their jobs just before Christmas.

"It's also a sad day for all the other clubs who share the venue with us."

The statement issued by the directors said: "It is with great sadness that our wonderful club was forced to close its doors to our members and staff following the failure of a financial recovery plan.

"To have continued under these circumstances would have meant we were breaking the law by trading whilst insolvent."

Describing the club's closure so close to Christmas as heartbreaking the statement added: "The directors have found this one of the most distressing decisions we have ever had to make. Our thoughts are with our wonderful staff at this terrible time.

"Please be reassured that we will continue to strive to find a solution capable of re-establishing our organisation and the service provided to our communities."

Last night a spokesman said the club had closed and appointed an insolvency practitioner. She refused to give any further details, including the number of job losses. 

Esso owns the club's facilities at Holbury and nearby Ashlett and provided them for a nominal rent.

A spokesman said: "We remain committed to keeping the Waterside sites as local community facilities and hope a solution can still be found to secure their future."