A BAR for war veterans and widows has been told is has a month before it must call last orders.

Members of the Brighton Royal Air Forces Association claim they were told to go to Wetherspoons instead after a head office decision to kick them out of their Castle Street club.

The group, who are in their 60s and 70s, is mostly made up of RAF veterans or the widows of ex-servicemen.

Peter Rogers, who has been running the club for more than 50 years, said: “This club means everything for the people who come here.

“We enjoy another’s company and the ability to have a quiet drink and a chat.”

The branch, which is set to be disbanded, was formed for veterans after the first World War. It has been based in the road near Churchill Square since 1982.

It was funded using money from their previous club in nearby Stone Street.

Mr Rogers helped decorate the inside himself and one picture shows him up a ladder painting the club’s sign during the move.

But last month, he was told by the Association’s head office he and the members have until August 5 to get out.

The association claims it is due to the club’s “inability to effectively manage their resources and building”.

But Mr Rogers says they hold no debt and he intends to fight the decision.

He said: “We’re going to appeal and make our point. We’re only looking to stay for two more years.”

Club members are furious and say the association is letting down its members.

Rick Ellender, 77, sad: “This place is about the security, we’ve all been through the same experiences and we feel safe here. But I feel like they’re making any excuse to get us out.”

Members claim the club has received little help from the association over the years.

Trish Williams has been coming to the club for decades. The 62-year-old said: “It’s such a lovely place here for widows and its on everybody’s bus route. They need to show some compassion.”

One member told The Argus he was told to go to the Wetherspoons in West Street when the bar closed.

Ailsa Gough, area director south east Royal Air Forces Association, said: “This disappointing situation comes as the direct result of the branch and club’s inability to effectively manage their resources and building.

“This has been a very difficult decision and one we have not taken lightly.

“We have repeatedly offered the branch and club committees support and we have encouraged them to create a basic business plan to address their issues.”

“Unfortunately the committees have not fully engaged with these measures.