A SOCIAL club has been raided four times since it closed.

Greenstead Social Club, in Blackthorn Avenue, Colchester, has been boarded up after running out of money.

The break-ins have caused £1,150 damage.

Trustee Wendy Winter said burglars had damaged the back door, a double fire door and smashed through the grill which secures the bar to steal cans of beer, wine and spirits.

She said: “They have done quite a bit of damage. They are the scum of the earth.”

The club was forced to shut because of an unpaid £14,000 electricity bill.

It left the groups which use it in the lurch and one couple’s wedding plans in tatters.

Managers have been holding talks with Greene King, which supplies ale to club, in the hope the brewery will take on the premises.

Members voiced concerns the break-ins could hinder efforts to secure the club’s future.

It is understood a crunch meeting is to take place this week between Colchester Council and the brewery. Agnes O’ Mahony, 67, of Alderton Road, Colchester, said: “We are worried that if it is too badly damaged, we will never get it up and running again.”

Pat Laurie, 63, of Dewberry Close, Greenstead, said: “All we want is our club reopened, but if it is trashed that could be it.”

Police have been asked to step up patrols in the area and residents have agreed to watch over the premises.

The burglaries took place on Thursday, September 1, Monday, September 12, Thursday, September 15, and Saturday, September 17.

Anyone with information can call police on 0300 3334444.