ONE of Watchet’s oldest sports clubs, in danger of being snookered by falling membership, is on cue for a revival after the latest recruitment drive.

The harbourside Esplanade Snooker Club, next to the Coastguard station, is undergoing a major relaunch as part of a plan to safeguard the iconic 200-year-old building as part of Watchet’s community heritage.

A new board of trustees now runs the building, which also contains the ground-floor Esplanade Club, one of the area’s top social and music venues.

“We are here to safeguard the building for the future,” said trustee Nick Cotton. “The state of the snooker club has been worrying and we are now making every effort to put things right.

“The problem has been that we have really nice club with a first- class snooker table and facilities, but hardly anyone knows that it’s there.

“It’s just a question of making people aware of what is upstairs from the Esplanade Club and the pleasures of playing snooker in a friendly atmosphere

“Not so long ago, it was one of the top clubs in the area with a cupboard full of trophies and a membership of around 50. Over the past ten years there has been a decline but already the relaunch is bringing in new members.

“Everyone is welcome, particularly youngsters, and we plan to have beginners’ evenings for people who would like to learn to play the game.

“It’s very cheap to play – about a £1 an hour – and membership is £5 a year. People are surprised how much you get for your money. The club is one of Watchet’s hidden gems.

“We are anxious to get new members to join the snooker club and secure its future. Otherwise it has no future and I think it’s as basic as that.”