The Bell Street venue is one of nine clubs nationwide which the Legion ploughed money into in a bid to increase membership - but its board has now admitted the programme has been unsuccessful and is looking to offload the clubs.

The Risborough branch, which employs 13 staff and has more than 600 members, has been offered the opportunity to create a business plan to relaunch the building as its own. Failing that and other 'discreet' marketing to trade buyers, the club will be offered for purchase on the open market as a going concern or potential development site.

Interested local Legion branches will also be invited to tender a business case for unsold sites to trade as an original legion club. As a last resort, sites may be offered for sale by auction.

The 'New Legion Clubs' programme was set up three years ago but a detailed review of its performance found increase in membership has been minimal and the clubs have been unable to make a return on the investment into them.

The Legion blames several 'unanticipated external factors' such as the smoking ban, 'changes in drinking habits' and the economic downturn as contributing to the project's failure.

Following a complete refurbishment costing more than £600,000, Princes Risborough's Legion re-opened on July 22 last year. It has been used for community events and meetings. As well as providing for sports lovers with its large screen TVs, darts and pool, it also has a large function room complete with sprung dance floor, bar and kitchen.

For more on this story, pick up a copy of this week's Bucks Herald.

How valuable is Princes Risborough's Legion Club?

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