A FORMER Evesham mayor says he has been thrown out of one of the town's social clubs after being a member for 63 years, for asking questions about the balance sheets.

Town councillor Ron Cartwright, aged 78, has been told he is no longer welcome at the Avon Sports and Social Club, at Waterside.

In a letter to him on behalf of the chairman, Richard Haines, it referred to Rule 9 which states if a member takes any action which is not consistent with the well-being of the club, membership can be refused.

Mr Cartwright's subscription was also returned to him in the same envelope.

Mr Cartwright said: "I asked questions about the £46,000 deficit, which was an increase of nearly £43,000 on the previous year's accounts.

"Wages had gone up by nearly £8,000, administration expenses were up by over £11,000 and general expenses went up by about £7,000.

Legal advice

"As a trustee I also refused to sign papers regarding the selling of some of the club's assets to cover the deficit until I was absolutely sure that it was right.

"They have treated me appallingly after all the work I have done over the years."

He is seeking legal advice to find out whether the club, which has about 400 members, can stop him continuing as a trustee.

He added: "It says in the club rules that a trustee must either resign or die before being removed."

At an extraordinary meeting in August, acting secretary John Guest read out a statement to the meeting calling for Mr Cartwright to be stripped of his appointment.

The statement claimed Mr Cartwright had refused to carry out his duties as a trustee.

This was backed by a 40-signature petition by members and the vote was carried.

Gordon Dennick, a member for 61 years, said: "Ron has been very shabbily treated."

Both the club chairman, Mr Haines, and Mr Guest declined to comment.