A BID to save Molins Sports and Social Club has been launched by the district council after it put forward an undisclosed offer to buy the piece of land - which was rejected.

The sports club in Mill Lane, Monks Risborough has been closed to the public since May 1 and has been boarded up. The cricket and bowling fields are also no longer in use.

Now the community believes the only way to save the sports club is by working with Wycombe District Council to help try and come to some agreement with the tobacco machinery company.

Mike Payne, secretary for the sports club, said: "We are hoping to hold a meeting and we want the public to support us and the council as well. Now is the time for all the supporters in the town to have their say in saving the facility for the community and to let the council know of their support and that they are right behind their proposal to buy the property from Molins.

This facility would be so beneficial to the town, not only as a sporting facility, but as a function hall, which Princes Risborough is so short of.

"It breaks our heart and is very frustrating to see the facility going to waste. We are not surprised in the least. We didn't think for one second that Molins would give in and accept the offer."

Joanne Mass, spokesman for Wycombe District Council, said: "Following the closure of the sports ground used by the Molins Sports and Social Club, members instructed officers to examine the possibility of purchasing the site to enable the sports and social activities to continue.

"An approach has been made to the agents acting on behalf of Molins, but it is clear they are seeking a sum way in excess of its current market value.

"Officers of the council are continuing to look at what opportunities there are to secure the future of this site and members' advice will be sought."

The Sports Club committee has arranged a public meeting for the people of Princes Risborough and Monks Risborough to be held at The Community Hall in Wades Park on Wednesday, October 10 at 7.30pm.