Spixworth Social Hub nears 1,000 members after eviction

Emma and Chris Kirkley are determined to surpass 1,000 members at Spixworth Social Hub five weeks after opening its doors to the public following its sudden closure.

Members enjoying the outside seating area (Image: Submitted)

Chris and Emma with some regulars (Image: Denise Bradley)

The previous committee was evicted in May following a row over rent with the trustees, sparking uproar and leaving about 600 members without access to the vital facility.

But Mr and Mrs Kirkley, who also run the Longe Arms pub, have restored its reputation and are set to invest thousands into the Crostwick Lane site after gaining more than 300 members.

Mrs Kirkley said: "New people join every day, we currently have around 950 members.

Emma and Chris Kirkley (Image: Denise Bradley)

The bar at Spixworth Social Hub (Image: Submitted)

The Spixworth Social Hub (Image: Denise Bradley)

"My husband wanted to get to 1,000 members by Christmas.

"I think we will fly by that in September."

Plans are now under way to fully refurbish the hub’s kitchen and the couple are aiming to reopen it in around 12 weeks.

Mrs Kirkley said: "The kitchen needs a full refit - all that is left is the sink.

The kitchen currently (Image: Submitted)

"Many of the appliances were removed by the former committee.

"The work will cost up to £18,000.

"Jimmy, a pub regular who runs Crown Suppliers, will be helping us with the refit."

Mrs Kirkley, who has two SEND children, planned to give young people the opportunity to work at Spixworth Social Hub.

Inside the refurbished Spixworth Social Hub (Image: Denise Bradley)

The pair, who rent the site for £625 a month and operate Spixworth Social Hub as a community interest company, are currently training three new employees.

"We have 15 members of staff, which is a few more than the previous club" she said.