Ed FossEfforts to rejuvenate the West Runton Social Club have been made in a bid to battle the combination of recession, smoking ban, supermarket competition and an aging population.Ed Foss

Efforts to rejuvenate the West Runton Social Club have been made in a bid to battle the combination of recession, smoking ban, supermarket competition and an ageing population.

The committee and trustees behind the club, which was set up for the benefit of the village and surrounding areas in 1921, have created a strategic plan to make it more attractive to local families and holidaymakers.

A range of steps are being taken which will include adding large television screens to show sports, adding new pool tables and opening a new junior pool league from February 5, refurbishing the snooker table and acquiring a new juke box.

Two open forum sessions were held in January for club members and villagers on the theme of 'use it or lose it', said club chairman Chris Beckett.

There was an overwhelming desire to keep the facility open, he added, but it was suggested more emphasis was given to sports facilities and family attractions.

The club may also start a football team if there is enough support.

Annual club membership is �1 juniors, �5 adults and �3 seniors.

The non profit making club is staffed by a mix of volunteers and paid employees. Charity events, including garden days, raise about �6,000 per year for the East Anglian Air Ambulance.