A LOCAL MP has thrown her weight behind efforts to save Kilwinning Sports Club.

Patricia Gibson says saving the club is “essential” and the SNP politician has personally written to North Ayrshire Council boss Elma Murray as well as the chairman of the Scottish Football Association to implore them to act now.

The Times exclusively revealed two weeks ago that the club’s future is under threat of closure after staff were told there is no money to pay their wages in the coming months.

The shock news was delivered to devastated staff after revelations that the club has struggled for months to make ends meet, with voluntary trustees having to pay bills with their own personal credit cards, just to ensure staff received wages.

But Mrs Gibson says all efforts must be made to protect the club’s future.

She told the Times: “This club is part of the fabric of Kilwinning, run by volunteers, and held in great affection by the town. It also employs local staff with four small businesses operating from the premises.

“The opportunities offered by this self funding facility to promote health, wellbeing and leisure pursuits for people of all ages and fitness levels in Kilwinning and beyond, are essential. Indeed, this club is known as one of the best community facilities in Scotland. it is essential that any challenges it may be encountering are resolved.

“I am happy to do all I can to assist this club and to that end I have written to the Chief Executive of North Ayrshire Council and the Chief Executive of the Scottish Football Association to ensure that support for this important facility continues.

“I stand ready to work with the club to do whatever else I can to assist.”