“Heartbroken” club members held their final event yesterday, as the landowner issued a response to “unaffordable” rent claims.

The Holyrood Social Club site in Tolpits Lane is owned by Holy Rood Catholic Church which is part of the Diocese of Westminster.

In late November the Watford Observer reported the club was set to close today (December 11), leaving a "huge impact" on the community, amid claims it was asked to pay “unaffordable” rent.

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The diocese has claimed that rumoured rent figures were inaccurate, but added the parish has a responsibility to ensure sound financial management of its assets.

It said that the club had made a regular donation for the use of the hall in the past, which it stopped making two years ago.

The Observer has been told there was upset from those at the social club aimed towards the parish over the closure and particularly a perceived lack of communication.

Member Paul Lambert, 62, has been visiting the social club for around 20 years. He said: “If it was not financially viable to continue trading then this message should have been communicated.”

Watford Observer: The parish hall, where the social club is located The parish hall, where the social club is located (Image: Google Street View)

The club was described as a "lifeline" for the elderly, particularly on Sundays for bingo, and a place for people to meet up and have a drink or watch the football.

Former committee member John Lyons was involved when the club was built in the early 1970s. He claims donations only stopped due to lockdown and could have been restarted.

“But they said it would have to be a rent,” he added.

He also contrasted the lack of recent donations with past years when the club took in more money than expected and reportedly voluntarily upped donations.

Watford Observer: Holy Rood Social ClubHoly Rood Social Club (Image: Jessi Ryan)

Yesterday, (December 10) a spokesperson for the diocese said: “It is the responsibility of the club's committee, not the parish, to communicate with their members about any developments relating to the club.

“The new parish priest has in fact made every effort to accommodate and assist the club. However, he also has a duty to all his parishioners to ensure sound financial management of parish assets.

The spokesperson added: “Parishioners will decide how the building will be used going forward.”

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