The future of a long running Halesowen sports and social club is in jeopardy as a court battle gets underway over its historic grade II listed home.

Somers Sports and Social Club, which has around 1,700 members, has been based at The Grange since the 1950s.

Now the trustees of The Grange - WSEF (Walter Somers Employees Fund Ltd) which is based at the offices of Folkes Holdings in Stourbridge - and solicitor Brian Rook, of Cheltenham, have applied for a repossession order on the mansion.

The case is expected to be heard at Stourbridge County Court next Friday (September 12).

There are fears the ten-acre site could be sold for housing with its market value thought to be around £10m if planning permission for housing was in place.

Mick Freer, a member of Somers Sports and Social club, said the club had spent around £20,000 in legal bills fighting its case so far, almost depleting its funds.

Mick said: "The Grange was left in bequest by the Somers family for the sports and social club and the public to use.

"If the possession notice takes place it's almost certain the club will be finished after 57 years and that would bring a tragic end to a legacy left by the Somers family.

"It would also leave a gaping hole in recreational provision in Halesowen.

"It's an institution that epitomises what the Somers family did for Halesowen and it shouldn't happen."

The Grange is also home to two football teams, Stourbridge Archery Club, seven bowling teams, a shooting club and a tennis club.

It boasts gardens, tennis courts, a bowling green, football pitch and an indoor shooting range.

Folkes Holdings took over Somers Forge in 1990. The sports and social club, which has won a series of awards from CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale Awards), had been allowed to stay at the property rent free - but two years ago the trustees imposed rent and maintenance fees despite the fact the club is thought to have spent around £3m on running costs and maintenance over the years.

No-one from Folkes Holdings was available for comment.