FINAL orders will be called at a Greenock social club on December 31 when it closes down after 36 years.

Bosses at Greenock Dockers Club say they can’t go on due to lack of money and members.

The Telegraph highlighted the plight of the cash-strapped club last month and the date of the closure has now been confirmed. 

Neil Paton, treasurer of the club, says it is sad for staff and customers but there was no other option.

He said: “On the 31 December we will finish up.

“Things haven’t improved.

“We said we would look at the situation but the general consensus when we held our AGM was that we would have to close by the end of the year.

“The situation won’t change barring someone winning the lottery.

“In practical terms on 31 December we will be the 31st club or pub since 1981 to have to close in Greenock.

“It’s sad for the fact that we are losing nine jobs - our customers can find another club or pub but it won’t be easy to find another job.

“That is my only real regret.”

Neil says the club’s demise hasn’t happened overnight.

He told the Tele: “We noticed the downturn 12 years ago but the difference was that we had reserves in the bank. Now we have no reserves left.

“This is the end, you can’t keep the tide back.

“It’s a bit disappointing for the people who still use the club but there’s not enough people doing that.”

The club’s final darts open tournament will be played on Sunday June 18 with all funds raised going towards the purchase of soft play equipment and calming lighting for three-year-old Rhowyn McLean of Port Glasgow, who is on the autistic spectrum.

Sponsor/entry forms are available now and can be obtained from the Dockers club or by contacting Jim Kincaid on 07956 997870, and entries should be in for 1 pm on Saturday June 17.

The final performances at the club will be held on December 8, with Men of Motown, and the following week Boys from the Hill will play on December 15.

Neil said: “This will be our swansong.”