End of an era for cycling clubhouse
A former cycling clubhouse, which was home to the Brereton Wheelers for three decades and attracted riders from across the country, faces demolition.
Cannock Chase District Council officers have recommended the building at Market Street next to the Red Lion pub in Rugeley be torn down and replaced by 14 apartments.
The cycling club moved to the venue in the mid-1970s and remained there until members moved out in 2009. The building has been vacant since.
A planning application to demolish the building will be considered by councillors at a meeting this week. Brereton Wheelers club chairman Phil Deakin said: "I knew someday it was coming. We are the only club to have occupied it but it has been empty quite a while now.
"We had a great run and received great hospitality while we were there. It felt like home we had some fantastic club nights. It will be a sad sight to see it go for everyone who has benefitted from it. But times change and we have to move on."
The club was told to leave the site in 2009 when it was earmarked for another development which ultimately fell through.
It was where the club organised a number of large cycling events, such as the Staffordshire Games, which were the springboard for some professional cyclists including Paul Sherwen, now a Tour de France broadcaster.
Mr Deakin added: "The clubhouse was used to engage a lot of youngsters in racing and we organised a number of racing events from there over the years which attracted riders from across the country who went on to become professional cyclists."
The club, which has been going for more than 50 years, today has around 30 members at Mansefield House further down Market Street. The flats, which would replace the former clubhouse, would be suitable for people with learning disabilities.
Five residents have lodged objections to the scheme over lack of parking.
A final decision is due on Wednesday.
