A SOCIAL club forced to close because of escalating debts could be a step closer to reopening.

Suffolk-based brewery Greene King may take over Greenstead Social Club, in Blackthorn Avenue, Colchester, as a temporary measure until financial issues are resolved.

The club could then re-open as a community-run service.

Greene King has loaned the club committee more than £100,000 for an extension and equipment.

Dawn Armstrong, club treasurer for 15 years up until its closure last month, said she was hopeful it would be up and running soon.

She said: “Greene King is keen to take over and steps are in place for it to do that. It is looking very hopeful and we would like to see it happen as soon as possible.

“I just want to see the club back on its feet because it is a very important facility for the community. But it needs to be supported by people in Greenstead if it is to succeed.” Julie Young, borough councillor for Greenstead, said the club had taken longer to reopen than originally hoped.

She said: “There is a lot of interest from residents and club users regarding the future of the club and people want to see it running as soon as possible.

“It has taken longer than we were hoping and there are a lot of issues to work through and considerable debts to various creditors to be dealt with.”

A Greene King spokesman said: “We are assisting the council and other interested parties to try to reopen the club and restore facilities to the community. We believe the club should be able to trade profitably and meet its financial obligations.’’ l A public meeting is due to take place at the club on Monday at 8pm.