Landmark sports club in jeopardy (From Halesowen News)

Landmark sports club in jeopardy

4:48pm Thursday 10th August 2006 in News

Worried committee members claim the future of a "legendary sporting institution" in Halesowen will be under threat if "substantial rent" charges are introduced.

Somers Sports and Social Club, Bromsgrove Road, could hang in the balance after club members discovered trustees may demand a payment for future use of the site.

Members say they have received letters from the Folkes Group, which took over Somers Forge, telling them they must pay a "substantial" rent and carry out any maintenance work required themselves.

The concerned committee is now planning crisis talks at an Extraordinary General Meeting on August 21 from 7.30pm.

The club, which has more than 500 members and opened in 1951, stages activities including football, cricket and archery and the grounds have until now been available rent free.

Mick Freer, club member for 40 years, said: "The club is seriously under threat. It would never be the same. This is a very serious situation for Halesowen. It is the major sporting venue in the area. It is a legend and an institution."

Somers features a Grade 2 listed building, dating back to 1750.

John Foden, club member for nine years, said: "I'm very, very worried. In future the club will be required to pay a substantial rent and carry out any maintenance required. It may lead to the end of these facilities, which are open to all."

Halesowen and Rowley Regis MP Sylvia Heal said: "I have written to the chairman of the club to find out more details and offering my support.

"Clearly I am concerned, it is a facility that is much used by local people and the club has an effect on quite a lot of people in Halesowen."

No one from the Folkes Group was available to comment as the News went to press.