SENIOR citizens are mourning the loss of a 'lifeline' club for the elderly which has been forced to close after 65 years.
The rising costs of hiring the Billericay Day Centre in Chantry Way forced the long-standing Billericay No 1 Senior Citizens Club to fold.
The social group, which at its peak had more than 100 members, had been in operation since 1947 but held its final meeting on January 28.
Former member of the club, Robert Nudtall, 91, of Salisbury Drive, Billericay, said: "We got downhearted, our savings were down to £1,000 and by Easter they would have completely run out."
The day centre had been free for the senior citizens club to use until 2011 when Basildon Council introduced a £6 hourly charge. Since then the price has rocketed and by April this year it will have more than trebled to £18.60.
The club supporters also had to pay for transport to and from the centre as members came from all over the borough.
Former club secretary Dot Bash, 84, of Mountnessing Road, Billericay, said: "The club, which is one of the oldest in existence around here, has been a lifeline to us and it is with great sadness that it has closed."
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