MEMBERS of Trowbridge Park Club weighed in on the upcoming EU referendum, 41 years after they voted on the UK's continued membership of the European Community.

British voters backed the UK's continued membership of the then European Economic Community by a large majority, 67 per cent, in the country's first nationwide referendum.

Then Prime Minister Harold Wilson hailed the result as a 'historic decision' but several members at the elderly club are still not convinced of its merits.

Members Veronica Burge, 70, Gordon Ashton , 80, Margaret Holden, 79, and Margaret Townsend, 75, all voted to leave in the 1975 referendum and after more than four decades their views have not changed.

"I voted in the first one and that flew under the radar compared to this one," said Mrs Burge, who along with Mrs Holden worked for the social services in Trowbridge for nearly 30 years.

"I seem to remember the interest levels were much lower and also the understanding of what we were voting for was less. Now it is a war of words. It is difficult to know who to believe as both sides are playing the fear factor card.

"I am thinking of future generations in regards to housing, pensions and the job market. I do not think a lot of good has come out of being in the EU, it is one problem after another."

Gordon, a former Westbury Junior teacher, said: "I did not want to stay in last time and I am still of that view. I do not like being told what to do and being dictated by bodies outside of our borders. I think we should stand on our own feet.

"Last time it was very one-sided, this time it is touch and go but I think the remain side might just sneak it."

Mrs Townsend said: "I believe we are losing our identity somewhat and with immigration it is putting more pressure on schools, doctors and transport. I did not approve of it back then and that is still the case."

Mrs Holden added: "I wanted out then and I want out now. I think it is much more intense now, especially when it concerns the refugees and migrants. We all agree that is a problem area."

However husband and wife Brian and Joan Johnson held the opposite view of their fellow club members.

"We were for it then and on June 23 we will be for it again as the benefits outweigh the drawbacks," said Mr Johnson. "It is a very different world these days with the internet among other things so the build up to this is very different too."