MEMBERS of Colchester’s Conservative Club denied reports it will close.

Honourary Secretary Tony Ackers claimed the future of the club has now been secured for years to come.

Between 2012 and 2014 the club was losing more than £600 a week with losses totalling £75,875.

Emergency meetings were held, in August 2014, to try and secure loans after VAT bills went unpaid.

The club also made out of court settlements to former manager Phil Pleasance and barmaid Yennifer Pleasance who lodged claims for constructive dismissal.

However since August 2014 new financial arrangements have been agreed for the club in Colchester High Street.

The end of year chairman’s report stated: “We sold the building to the Association of Conservative Clubs and now lease it back.

“It has enabled us to continue trading. The alternative would have been the closure of the club.”

However the report added “we are still not making a profit” and called on members to use the club or lose it.

The New Year’s Eve event was cancelled and noise complaints were regularly made when events were held in the ballrooom with the chairman stating “we are tired with visits from Environmental Health”.

However, the new financial year is looking more promising.

Mr Ackers said: “The club is in a very healthy financial situation.

“We have more members, more members are attending events and the future is rosy.

“Everything has been rectified and we will be here for years to come.”