TIME has been called at an iconic social club after a massive drop in membership.

When Nelson’s Star Cycling Club was at its peak in the 1970s and 80s, it had more than 1,000 members on its books.

But when last orders was called for the final time last month, the figure stood at a lowly 120.

The Manchester Road venue had been a social club since around the 1940s, but started as a meeting place for cycling enthusiasts over 100 years ago.

Treasurer Trevor Anderton put its demise down to a lack of trade and the club’s location in the heart of one of the town’s Asian communities.

He said: “There is a shortage of trade passing through Nelson.

“The demographic has changed in the town. There is a large Asian community in the area who don’t use drinking establishments.

“People living in the area who used the club have slowly moved away and membership has reduced.”

Mr Anderton, a member of 30 years, said cheap drinks offers at nearby pubs had also played a part in the club’s decline.

When asked if the decision to close had been tinged with sadness, he said: “Very much so.

“There is nowhere left to go in Nelson for my wife and I on a Saturday night. The only clubs left are men-only, so obviously I can’t take my wife there.”

Mr Anderton, a semi-retired engineer, said the club, which is owned by its members, would be put up for sale in the next few weeks.

In recent weeks, the Prince of Wales, in Leeds Road, Nelson, has closed, along with the Emmott Arms, in Keighley Road, Laneshawbridge.

More than 20 Pendle pubs have shut in the last three years.