Some of them fell by the wayside, unable to compete when larger courts swept in.

However, not all small clubs were doomed. In fact, just the opposite has happened at Otley Squash Club.

Far from facing closure the club now boasts more than 160 players while its committee considers whether it should close the membership list.

So how did little Otley buck the national trend?
Chairman Doug Thomson says they set out not to compete with the bigger clubs and instead provide good facilities for simply playing the game.

Ask why Otley has achieved success and club officials will highlight the need to differentiate between what is nice and what is essential.

Here's their essential squash list:
Keep membership and playing fees below bigger clubs.

Concentrate on looking after the majority of members who just play for exercise, weight loss or fun. These players form the financial backbone of the cluband their needs are a priority.

Make steady expenditure on playing facilities even if, in some years, only a few hundred pound can be afforded. Particularly important has been making improvements that members can see.

Create a simple website which beats other methods of attracting new members to the club .

Have an internet court booking system with players securing spots from their front room. When introduced at Otley court usage was boosted by 20 per cent.

Have a well-organised mini league with a firm member in charge.


Things that come into the nice to do category include teams in local leagues, junior sessions, coaching, club nights, social activities and involvement with local schools.

Ends

Thomson was pleased to hear that Otley's formula for success has been highlighted by the game's governing body, England Squash.

Thomson and Paul Jacques, from the Otley Rugby Union Club, struck a co-operative deal which sees the squash club thriving at the RU ground and so keeping a much-needed facility in the market town.

Otley Squash Club can be contacted on their website www.otleysquashclub.org