A popular venue is closing this weekend.

Club Dover, at Old Park, Whitfield, is a victim of the recession and will cease trading on Easter Sunday.

As well as providing facilities for its members, the club building was used by several organisations for their meetings, as well as for annual presentations and dinners, parties and wedding receptions, accommodating up to 200 people.

Among those who met there each month were members of Dover Lions Club who are now looking for a new "home". There was a petanque club based there, and it had a gym and fitness suite.

Originally the Dover Harbour Board social club, Club Dover later became a limited company in its own right, and apart from owning the land on which the building stands, the harbour board no longer has any connection with it.

Open seven days a week, the club had a licensed bar and restaurant and the staff also offered to cater for outside events.

A spokesman for Club Dover said: “Despite the many efforts made by the lub and its staff over a period of time, the continuing effects of the harsh economic climate and the fall in event bookings have resulted in Club Dover having to take the difficult and regrettable, yet responsible, decision to close the company.

“Our thoughts are particularly with those immediately affected and the Club wishes to thank all those who have worked for and supported it over the years.”

It is understood that the Gateway Bowls Club which is based at the site will continue to meet there for the rest of the season while a decision is made about the future.