Gartcosh Works Social Club has known better times.

At the height of the steel industry in Lanarkshire, it had a membership of 4000. These days, the total is just a quarter of that.

Bingo, private functions, big football matches, and the coming and going of its members are its lifeblood, but it could do with a shot in the arm. Chairman David Moffat is more than receptive to the idea of an easing on membership restrictions which have governed the club over its 42 years.

Mr Moffat, a former steel worker, said: "We've got a very good function suite, and we could open up for weddings or other events. We have a members' restaurant which could also be opened up to the public.

"We want to keep the club going. We're concerned about our own survival.

"As for the politics, I doubt if many of our members would be politically motivated in the slightest, let alone go out and vote for a party because they've changed the regulations on members' clubs."