LAST orders are set to be called on an iconic services social club unless £60,000 is found to bring it up to date.

The RAF Club in the west end was formed in 1947 but the building pre-dates that, and time and lack of maintenance has taken its toll.

Committee members have been told that if the building is not upgraded it will close.

Stuart Main, chair of the Greenock Royal Air Force Association, a support charity for serving and non-serving members, said: "I would be gutted if it closed.

"The building is owned by RAFA Greenock, the committee are trustees of the building.

"We are the landlord while the social club is the tenant.

"The welfare headquarters is in Leicester and an inspection was carried out by two agencies and a valuation officer came up to inspect the building in November as part of an audit.

"It was audit governance to look at the upkeep of the building to protect the users of the building.

"It was a wake-up call."

The results of the inspection showed that the electrics and fire safety system were out of date.

These upgrades will cost £30,000 alone while windows also need to be replaced, with a price tag of £13,500.

Officials are also awaiting a report to find out about asbestos is in the building in Ardgowan Square.

The last major refurbishment was when the function suite opened in 1975.

A lack of members has compounded the situation and the club now only opens Wednesday until Sunday.

Both RAFA and the social club are struggling to break even but is the condition of the two-storey building that has brought things to a head.

The club has applied to the RAFA headquarters for help.

Treasurer George Parke said: "We are in their hands, they could give us notice to close.

"The worse case scenario is we could close by the end of the year.

"It would be the end of an era if it was to close.

"There are not many of us left."

Downstairs has a lounge, bar, snooker room and pool room and kitchen but only men's toilets.

Upstairs has men and women's loos, which also need upgraded.

Mr Parke says several groups use the club, including folk musicians who have a jam session on Saturdays and snooker/pool players at the weekend.

The local historical society also meet there and 'gamers' come in on Wednesday evenings while the club does a busy trade in function bookings.

Club manager Sharon Donnachie is one of three members of permanent staff and is doing her bit to try to save on energy costs.

She said: "The electricity bill is £1,600 for a quarter."

George says the committee is keen to modernise and secure the club for the future.

He said: "We cannot live in the war period, we want to take the club forward."

A fundraising campaign has now been launched to help raise the cash needed to rejuvenate the premises.

There will be an Elvis tribute night featuring Shaun Hamilton on April 20, followed by a rock n toll disco, with tickets on sale.

A ladies night has also been arranged for June 8.

If any local firms could help with the work they should call the club on 07508498545 or email Stuart on stuarthillview@aol.com