A social club has lost its licence after police discovered its committee was no longer in place.

Basildon police's licensing unit visited Essex Country Club on a routine visit only to find no recent annual general meeting had been held.

The decision was made after officers conducted a series of interviews with members of the committee during which they admitted not having had an active involvement in the running of the club for some time.

Licensing officer, Kevin Doyland, said: "It seemed there was only one person in charge which went against the rules of the club.

However he added: "There are no grounds to suspect criminal activity has been taking place or that anyone was having a financial benefit from the club."

The club in Basildon Road, Basildon, has about 90 members and was previously known in the area as the "Irish Club."

The social club has existed there for at least 30 years but would have had to relocate later this year to make way for a development of 70 houses.

Social clubs are allowed to serve drinks to members only and must obey a set of rules in how it is governed which are agreed by magistrates.

A Basildon bench agreed with police however that the club was not being run as a bonafide members club and its registration certificate was cancelled.

No longer licenced - the "Irish Club"

Picture: MAXINE CLARKE

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