MEMBERS of York's oldest club are today being urged to "use it or lose it" as a lack of support is pushing the club towards a cash crisis.

The INL (Irish National League) Club, in Speculation Street, has notched up a proud record of achievements in everything from rugby and football to snooker and darts over its 112-year history.

And today it boasts spacious modern facilities, regular entertainment, a bargain-priced bar and a snooker room, and annual membership costs just £6. It also offers members the opportunity to be involved in a range of organised sports and activities.

But despite all of this, the number of members turning up to use the club are dwindling.

Members of the club's 15-strong committee, which has put years of hard work into running the club, met privately last night to discuss the situation with the brewery.

Club president Alan Baines said afterwards: "We are having financial difficulties, but what club is not having them? It is a fact that nationally 90 clubs close each year and it's all finance related.

"People have put a lot of their spare time into creating these facilities, but it seems a lot of people are just not interested in having them. It is up to members to come and let us know what they want. It is their club and the message is 'use it, or lose it'.

"They don't just pay their subs to be in the club. The are buying a share in it and they should be supporting it."

Membership currently stands at about 200, but the club needs all those members to use it on an regular basis and needs to find another 200 new members to get back to its thriving glory days.

The INL Club, which is affiliated to the Club and Institute Union (CIU), was originally founded by the large community of Irish workers who made their home in the Walmgate area, but nowadays anyone can apply to join.

Updated: 08:25 Tuesday, October 30, 2001