OUTCRY has met plans to demolish a social club in the heart of the Holme Wood estate.

Devastated regulars have spoken of their upset and frustration at the proposal to raze the Holme Wood Social Club, on Broadstone Way, and replace it with a Heron Foods store and three more retail units.

Scores of people have rallied round Michelle Lowther, landlady of nine years, to show their support and to send out a strong message that they want the club to stay a part of the estate.

She said: “It’s my livelihood - my home.

“I’ve made it my home. There’s a proper sense of community.”

The 51-year-old added that she felt “humbled” by the support shown.

For many, it’s tied to generations of their families - a place where memories have been made and milestones marked.

The thought of that coming to an end is difficult to face.

Scores of objections have been submitted on Bradford Council’s planning site in the hope of putting a spotlight on the importance of the club for Holme Wood residents.

Becky Davey, 30, told the Telegraph & Argus: “It means the world to us.

“This is the heart of the estate.”

Speaking about her baby girl, she added: “I want her to have those memories we have.”

One woman, who did not want to be named, added: “My mum and dad would be turning in their graves.”

John McMahon, 73, has been going to the club for 41 years.

“This is a landmark to us - if you want to meet someone - you meet at the club.”

He added: “There will be nowhere to meet.

“What’s the older generation going to do? This is a meeting place for the older people.”

Yvonne Dean, 64, described the situation as”disgusting”.

“I’m really mad about it,” she said.

“I’ve come in here since I was 18. I’ve had some good times and good years here. It means a lot to people. It’s really sad.”

The application, submitted by Mr J Cordingley, of Crag Investments, says: “The social club is of a poor visual quality and the large expanse of parking impacts negatively upon the streetscape.”

“The proposals conform to the long term strategy for Holme Wood to regenerate the shopping and community services.

“It will help to provide the conditions that will be needed to attract other private investment to the area.”

One comment left in response to the application by Andrew Ward says: “I’ve lived on Holme Wood most of my life and believe that change of use from a social club to a store and retail units is not needed or valid on this occasion.

“Until a proper report is shown to prove what added benefit it can bring to families on the estate then this should be shelved.”

Joshua Briggs wrote: “You can’t do this, this pub is more than a pub to most of us it’s community in itself, if you do this it will never be the same again.”

Marie Gibson added: “The Holme Wood club was built originally by the people of the estate to lose it would a big loss to the community.”

But a comment left in support said: “This is a great idea anything to make the local area better is a win win situation.”

The Telegraph & Argus made attempts to contact Mr Cordingley.