By Julian Whittle

Last updated 11:48, Tuesday, 12 August 2008

AT LEAST two potential buyers are interested in taking over Carlisle’s closure-threatened Liberal Club.

Losses: Carlisle’s Liberal Club has a major bank loan it has to pay off

The club in Lowther Street has debts approaching £300,000 and will shut at the beginning of September unless a sale is agreed.

Daryl Warwick, an insolvency partner at Armstrong Watson in Carlisle, is advising the directors.

He said last week he was “in the early stages of talks” with a buyer who would continue to run the premises as a members’ club.

That buyer is thought to be club steward Steve Mountjoy and his wife Maria.

Since then at least one further potential purchaser has staked a claim.

Mr Warwick addressed a meeting of the club’s directors on Friday to explain the position but he declined to comment afterwards.

However, several club members have contacted the News & Star to voice their support for the Mountjoys.

Stephen Shovlin, 33, of Tait Street, Carlisle, a member for nearly 10 years, said: “It’s a members’ club and it’s in financial difficulties.

“But what benefit is there in selling to the highest offer if it is not going to continue as a members’ club?”

The club dates from 1881 and has 1,996 members.

The extent of its financial problems is revealed in the accounts for 2007.

These report a loss after tax of £37,063, following a £9,657 loss in 2006.

There is also a substantial bank loan, secured on the building, which will require repayments of £400,000 over the next five years.

JWhittle@cngroup.co.uk