AFTER many years of indecision, Wiltshire Council has finally confirmed the closure of The Bustard Club ahead of the demolition of the East Wing complex to prepare the site for sale.

The club, which ran sports and other activities for members, was set up over 30 years ago by and for County Hall employees, before widening its membership to the residents of Trowbridge.

It was originally expected to close in 2008 due to the lack of alternative premises, but now the council has finally issued The Bustard Club with a formal notice to quit, seeking vacant possession of the property by October 31 this year.

A Wiltshire Council spokesperson said: “To support our ongoing work to rationalise our buildings and to prepare the East Wing complex for sale, we have asked the Bustard Club to vacate the site by October 31.

“We’d like to thank the club for the role they have played in the town for council and former county council employees over the years.”

The club, which started with 50 members in 1978, has organised dances, cabaret evenings, whist drives, crib games, skittles games, tennis and football matches and fun-runs over the years, all enjoyed by residents of Trowbridge.

The normal requirements when a members club considers potential closure is to call a meeting of members to vote on the matter, but as there is no alternative to the closure of the club, members have been told a vote is not appropriate.

A special general meeting is taking place on Friday (July 31) to confirm the last date of opening, disposal of furniture and effects, hand over date to the council and the distribution of any remaining funds.

Chair of the Bustard Club Clare Little said: “The Bustard Club has been given notice by Wiltshire Council to vacate the premises by 31 October 2015. The club has been running for 38 years, helped by volunteers, providing a lively family social club for its members.”