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Friday, November 14, 2008, 08:00
Officials involved in the liquidation of Leek Working Men's Club and Institute on the town's West Street have now completed the final payments to creditors following the demise of the club.
The club was placed into liquidation more than 100 years after opening and was eventually sold to an unnamed buyer for around £200,000.
Club officials opted for voluntary liquidation after revealing the club had been losing about £1,000 a month over a two year period.
Michael McCarthy, of Walletts Insolvency Services, based at Adventure Place, Hanley, was appointed liquidator to handle the winding up of the club.
He told the Post & Times that following "payment to creditors in full" he now planned to distribute the remainder of the assets of around £20,000.
He warned that only "genuine" applicants, who were valid members at the time the club closed, would be entitled to a share of the money.
How much each former member receives depends on how many come forward.
Mr McCarthy said: "We sold the premises for £200,000 and all the creditors have now been paid.
"There is a small amount left over, about £20,000, that is available for distribution to genuine claimants who were valid members at the time the club closed."
A firm of solicitors has been appointed in an attempt to trace club members who might qualify for payment.
The liquidators also have records of club membership which they will use to validate claims. Any valid member living at the date of winding up – November 9, 2008 – can make a claim in writing to the offices of Walletts Insolvency Services.
Mr McCarthy said they would need to provide proof of their current address and membership no later than Friday, January 23, 2009.
The club opened in 1907 and until its closure attracted bingo groups, pool teams and also held private functions. Three years ago, Staffordshire Moorlands District Council's planning committee approved plans to build 11 one-bedroom apartments on the site.
The scheme sparked controversy with objectors and some councillors claiming the lack of parking for residents would create traffic. Planners pointed out that people living in the properties could use one of two public car parks within 100 metres of the site.
The former Leek Working Men's Club in West Street.
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