MEMBERS of a social club which is in danger of being sold off were today urged to turn out in force at a special meeting to secure its future.

Management of Ineos Acrylics, the former ICI, are looking to end its association with and dispose of the Ineos Sports and Social Club, in Bridge Street, Darwen.

But they have told its committee they are willing to pass over the deeds and the running of the club to them free of charge.

Kevin Smith, the club's secretary, today urged the 1,000 members to attend a special meeting at the Bridge Street premises next Tuesday night and give the idea their backing by agreeing to support the 'new' club in the future.

He said the club could be sold off and shut down if the members fail to take up this offer.

The Ineos Group bought ICI Acrylics in November 1999 in a £505 million deal. The company employs about 300 people at two 50-year-old manufacturing plants in Darwen.

Mr Smith said: "The company is withdrawing its support and no longer has any interest in the club. It is still a successful club.

"The company wasn't concerned whether the club made £100,000 or £1,000 - they just want shut of it.

"The company is a buying and selling operation now rather than manufacturing and they want to focus on that."

He said this meant the numbers of manufacturing workers currently at Ineos who had traditionally supported the club were dwindling, so it had fewer links with the company than in the past.

"As far as the committee is concerned, we are a bit unhappy, but we think it is worth a go for us to run the club," he said. W

e want the members to come and give their backing and start an independent club."

The club has a snooker team and is open for lunches and social nights throughout the week. It also has a function room for parties.