| Manchester club is open for business
as usual
 By Danny Claffey
Officials have dismissed rumours one of the North West of England’s
most popular Irish clubs is set to close.
Patrons of Manchester’s English Martyrs Club have been reassured
the venue is very much open for business.
Reports of trouble at the club were sparked when the regular weekend live
music nights were suspended.
But officials say the move is temporary and the things should be back
to normal by then end of August.
Club spokesman Tom McGoff said: "Due to changes in licensing procedures
like a lot of other similar venues that have live music we are having
to adapt."
"This has meant that we are having to have substantial new building works
carried out to conform with current laws."
The main issue is the noise created by the live bands which has created
complaints from neighbours in the close vicinity.
The centre which has been open since September 1973 has never had any
problems before until a new housing estate was built across the road a
few years ago which has been the source of the complaints.
With advice from local Environmental Health officers the committee decided
to carry out remedial work on the centre before things got any worse.
All of the widows are currently being bricked up and acoustic tiles fitted
to the walls. Sound-absorbent insulation is also being laid around the
stage area.
It is hoped the works will stem the complaints and see the club back in
full swing within a few weeks.
The centre is a regular venue for most of the Manchester Irish County
Associations and various other groups including the Catholic Mothers Association
and the Young Christian Workers as well as Scout and Guide groups.
Other events include Connacht, Leinster and Ulster Province nights featuring
live link-ups to Mid-West Radio in Mayo.
The centre also prides itself on the amount of money that has been raised
for charities at the various functions held on the premises and hopes
to carry on the good work for many years to come. |
