A STRUGGLING recreation club is appealing for support from residents after being left in a “slump” by the pandemic.

Earls Colne Recreation Club, in Halstead Road, says it is “cautiously optimistic” following the Government’s recently announced strategy for ending lockdown.

The Prime Minister Boris Johnson aims to have fully ended the majority of lockdown measures by June 21.

But the recreation club says it is in need of support if it is going to get out of a financial slump caused by the lockdown measures.

The club, which boasts sporting facilities as well as a bar, has been hit particularly hard by the pandemic and is now looking towards the community for help.

It comes after a recent fundraiser by the club to raise £2,700 to fix problems with the building, which saw a great response from residents.

Manager Sue Caulfield Freear said: “Covid-19 has made last year very difficult for us, as it has been for many others in the leisure and hospitality sector.

“The restrictions have limited the amount of indoor sports allowed and other revenue streams such as children’s parties and community events have also been off the table, not to mention the controversial ‘substantial meal’ killing off our bar revenue.

“We have been particularly affected by the lockdown but also tiering as the reality is that, although family groups could play sports in certain scenarios, that isn’t the make-up of our usual clientele.

“We have been fortunate to receive a limited amount of grants and benefited from the furlough scheme which have enabled us to get bills paid and give our valuable staff some income, but it doesn’t provide security or the ability to keep our ageing building fit for purpose.

“Going forward the only way we can get out of this Covid slump is by the local community supporting and using us when we eventually open, continued careful cost control, a passionate search for grants and fundraising opportunities and by using this time to plan how to maximise our membership, ramp up our profile and source new revenue streams such as our newly opened MUGA which provides football, cricket, netball and walking sports in a fantastic facility.

“The support of our community is key. We were astounded by our recent Facebook appeal and touched by how much we mean to so many.

“With that kind of support from our community, whether financial or in time and skills, we know we will get through this challenging time.

“We are cautiously optimistic about the roadmap.

“Thankfully we can see some light at the end of the tunnel and cannot wait to see our grounds full of people enjoying playing a sport, watching a sport or simply a very cold pint.”

The club has also launched an appeal for two new trustees, and volunteers to cover shifts.

If you are interested in being involved with the club, contact info@ecrc.uk for more details.