ONE of the last licensed premises in Tilbury is to close its doors.

Scruttons Sports and Social Club on Ellerman Road will not reopen after this weekend, serving customers for the last time on Sunday (11 August).

A statement from the club says: "It's with heaviest of hearts that we have to close our doors this Sunday.

"This is due to forever rising costs and the unfortunate lack of custom. Hope we can see some familiar faces old and new to raise a glass and bid farewell to our club."

The news has been greeted with disappointment by many Tilburians, who have recalled heydays in the past.

Among them is local ward councillor John Allen who says: "I had the best memories growing up in Tilbury with Scruttons being a place where great people came together and danced until they ached for a fortnight after.

"A sad day indeed is about to dawn on Tilbury! A big thanks to Norman for putting so much into the place where the greatest memories were made."