A SOCIAL club which has been at the heart of the local community for more than 70 years is to close later this month.

The Testwood Club in Salisbury Road, Totton, will shut its doors for the final time later this month after members decided the enterprise was no longer viable.

Writing on social media club stalwart Bill Solomon said: "It is with great sadness that this announcement has to be made.

"Following the AGM of the Testwood Club it has been resolved that the club will be closing following trading on Sunday, November 25. Further details will follow."

Singer Ian Chambers of the band Deep 13 added: "Our gig on December 8 at the Testwood Club has been cancelled.

"We have been regulars at Testwood for several years and have been referred to as 'The House Band', something we are extraordinarily proud of.

"We have enjoyed many wonderful nights at the club, always getting the most enthusiastic reception.

"We'd like to thank the club for their support but far more importantly we'd like to thank the one and only Bill Solomon for booking us.

"Bill is one of a kind, a guy who gave everything to try to keep the club he loved open and thriving."

Mr Chambers added: "If you don't get out and support live music and the venues that host live music they will close.

"They will be torn down, flats will be built and in a few years you'll wonder what you did on a Saturday night."

Totton councillor David Harrison said he hoped the club could be saved.

He added: “I have suggested they look at registering it as a community asset as a means of allowing time for a rescue package to be put together."

The club was formed in the 1940s and its current building was extended in 1978.

It describes itself as a family-friendly facility which provides a variety of entertainment including karaoke and live music, plus pool, poker and darts.

Totton residents have taken to social media to express their shock and dismay at the club's demise.

One woman said: "Gutted to hear this news - such a shame after all the years the club has been running.

"Well done Bill Solomon. You did an excellent job with the entertainment and worked so hard to keep people coming in."

Another member added: "Sadly the writing has been on the wall for some time. The pub/club trade in this country is on its knees.

"Massive thanks to Bill and everyone else for all your hard work in keeping the place going. So sorry it's finally come to this."

Mr Solomon was unavailable for comment.

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