MP in talks over GSK Sports & Social Club

The imminent future of GSK Sports & Social Club will be discussed today when MP Sam Rushworth meets with company representatives.

Glaxo Club, as it universally known as in Teesdale, will be closed by the company at the end of the year.

Club committee members and local councillors are fighting the controversial closure, which was announced by the firm on September 25.

Confirming that he would visit the factory on Harmire Road, Bishop Auckland MP Mr Rushworth told the Mercury: “I was sad to hear of the planned closure of GSK Sports & Social Club because it plays an important role bringing local people together.

“I understand GSK plans to take back the land as part of its £120m investment at the site, but it is important we seek solutions so that no functions of the centre are lost.

“I am meeting with GSK this week where I will be sure to discuss the closure on behalf of the community.”

GSK’s justification for closing the club, which was founded in 1946 and has been an integral part of the community for 80 years, was to make the “best use” of its land.

“Barnard Castle is a key site in GSK’s global manufacturing network,” a spokesman told the Mercury earlier this month.

“…we need to make sure we’re making the best use of our land and facilities to support current and future operations.

“As part of this, following a review of arrangements and discussion with local stakeholders, we are bringing the Sports & Social Club building and surrounding land into direct company use.”

The decision to close the club and the very short notice period of just three months has been widely criticised and will have a major impact on the various internal sports and social sections including the gym, which has more than 500 members and will require a building large enough to accommodate the existing equipment and facilities.

In a letter published in the paper earlier this month, Cllr Richard Bell stated: “I write as a former employee of GSK and a current member of the club and gym.

“During my almost four decades of service, the company prided itself on supporting the community and having good relationships.

“This makes the sudden announcement of closure very jarring.

“It is to be hoped that the unusually high-handed approach of GSK is softened for the sake of the community and its own reputation.”

Cllr Bell, who represents upper Teesdale for Durham County Council, also questioned the wisdom and difficulty of taking the club land back into direct company use, claiming the “industrialisation of the site” would be complex in terms of planning requirements.

Barnard Castle’s county councillor Chris Foote-Wood is also fighting the closure.