A SOCIAL club in Ellesmere Port has announced it will be closing with “immediate effect”.

The Groves Sports and Social Club on Chester Road in Ellesmere Port took to social media to share the news that it would be closing today, Wednesday, May 29.

The sports and social club, home to two function rooms, said it was “incredibly sad” about the closure but had been left with “no alternative”.

A statement from the club read: “It is with great sadness that we have to announce that we have closed with immediate effect.

“If you have a function booked with us, please contact us by emailing thegroves@btconnect.com or calling 0151 355 2680 and we will assist you with your deposit refund and looking for alternative venues. All deposits are secure and will be refunded.

“For all our members, friends and guests, we are incredibly sad that we have been left with no alternative but to close.

"Despite our best efforts, an accumulation of serious repair issues and water-logging, combined with the massive inflation in our running costs that we have endured for the last couple of years, mean that the operating the Club is no longer viable.”

The post was met by many messages of sadness and well wishes from customers and visitors. 

One person said: "We are sad to hear this news. We have worked with Paul, Demi and the team for years. Absolutely devastated for the whole team."

Another said: "Sad to hear. It's a decent venue. I've DJ'd loads of gigs here. It seems a common problem though these days that costs are just too high to stay open, such a shame."

A third added: "My heart is heavy reading this! Such sad news. Some of the best memories I have working there! To the team I worked with I wish you all the best in the future and I am so sorry that it has come to such a sad ending."

Another person said: "Very sad news had some great times in there over the 50 years I was a member."