A Royal British Legion club has closed after 75 years because of lack of trade.

The club in Pevensey Road, Eastbourne, has up to 260 members but only about 40 have been using its facilities regularly.

Dwindling popularity led its officials to last month issue an ultimatum: Use it or lose it.

But club chairwoman Sandra Whatley said that trade failed to pick up and the decision has been taken to close.

She said: "We just couldn't get enough people to come in and use the facilities.

"And if you can't pay your way, it is not viable to continue. So we have taken the decision to close the social club. It is a terrible shame because the nearest club is in Polegate, about four or five miles away.

"You would have thought that a town the size of Eastbourne, particularly with its many older people, would be able to sustain a place like this.

"But of the 260 members here, only about 40 have used the place regularly and that is simply not enough to justify continuing it.

"I think there are a few reasons why people haven't been using it.

"We are in Pevensey Road which is a bad area.

"Also parking is a problem and there is also the issue of older people not wanting to come out at night.

"It is a shame because it has been here for a long time and will be a loss not only to the Royal British Legion but Eastbourne as a whole."

Mrs Whatley, club chairwoman for the past six years, said the social club has been a feature of the Royal British Legion in Eastbourne since 1930.

The club used to hold a variety of events, such as darts, bingo and raffles. Yet as the years have passed its income has fallen dramatically.

However, the club will still function in a limited capacity, including working for the annual poppy appeal and benevolent fund operations.

Eastbourne branch president Raymond Thomas said: "The branch commitee, welfare and the Eastbourne cadet pilgrimage fund will still continue their sterling work locally and at national level.

"It is with regret that the club had to close, a very sad day for all members and indeed Eastbourne.

"We urge all present members to remains on the register and help us to remain as a caring force in the town of Eastbourne."

The branch annual general meeting takes place tomorrow at 109 Pevensey Road, Eastbourne, from 7.30pm.