ONE of Cinderford’s best-known social venues is set for a new lease of life with the current owner set to retire.

After more than 20 years behind the bar of the Oaklands Sports and Social Club in Foxes Bridge Road, local entrepreneur Santokh Singh Jhinger is calling time and preparing for a well earned retirement.

The Oaklands has long been a part of social life in Cinderford, with many generations of young people enjoying darts, snooker, pool and other live events.

The Forest and Wye Community Church, which is currently based in cramped facilities in Parragate Road in the town centre, has agreed to buy the building.

Pastor Tim Cracknell said the church been on the lookout for a new location and is delighted to have the opportunity to acquire Oaklands.

He said: “Oaklands will make a great new base for our growing congregation, and all the community programmes we run.

“As our name suggests, the community church is very committed to the people of Cinderford, and this move will help us expand our community work and bring the Christian message of hope that comes from connecting with God.

“All our parent and toddler, kids, youth and community activities like the Foodbank will continue, and will be improved in the new premises.

“We are even keeping some of the snooker and pool tables for the young people.”

A planning application for change of use will be submitted shortly, and the community church hopes to move in over the next two or three months.

Mr Jhinger said: ““I’ve seen some wonderful young people come through these doors over the years and we’ve put on some great live acts from the worlds of sport and entertainment, but times are different now, and it feels like the right time to move on.”