Shaw and a Crompton Liberal Democrat councillors have requested an urgent meeting with the regional representatives of the Royal British Legion after it was revealed that the Shaw and Crompton Branch based on Newtown Street in Shaw has been closed down and the locks changed  without any explanation to members.

Councillor Chris Gloster said in a letter to the regional chair of the Royal British Legion 

“Can I ask that you facilitate a meeting with either yourself or the appropriate people with regards to current issues at Shaw and Crompton RBL Branch HQ.

We are aware that the premises have effectively been closed and that the locks have been changed without notice and we are getting a lot of enquiries from very disgruntled residents in relation to these actions.

Shaw and Crompton RBL HQ is an important community hub, and over the past two years, ourselves as borough councillors along with Shaw and Crompton Parish Councillors, numerous businesses and residents have invested a lot of time and money into rejuvenating these premises and doubling the membership (including myself) to ensure this branch remains viable.

I cannot emphasis enough the distress this has caused some individuals as well as the negative comments made with regards to the national RBL and this situation need to be resolved as quickly as possible 

The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the way forward.” 

Councillor Howard Sykes added: “the closure of the branch, particularly just before the 100th Anniversary weekend of the founding of the Royal British Legion will mean that external events that were planned to celebrate the Centenary have had to be cancelled. As local councillors we recognise the community value this branch brings to Shaw and Crompton  and we will do all we can to get it open again.”