USE it or lose it is the short, sharp message to the missing masses at a once thriving social club.

Hag Fold Working Men's Club -- at the heart of the area's biggest housing estate -- was built in 1965 to serve the Atherton community and in its heyday had a membership numbering 2000.

But membership has dwindled to the 250 mark and worried club secretary, Bill Shaw, is urging former members to return and encouraging estate newcomers to use the club's extensive facilities.

Mr Shaw plea to the Hag Fold community is: "It would be a great loss to the estate if the club closed. Please come and support your local club to ensure continuation of the excellent facilities provided.

"It's open seven nights a week with a big concert room where live artists appear on stage every Friday, Saturday and Sunday and there's a well-equipped games room for darts, dominoes and snooker.

"But more showtime support is needed if class artists are to be retained and overheads met."