A NIGHTCLUB, shut down after councillors withdrew its licence, is to re-open -- if it is soundproofed.

Blackburn with Darwen licensing sub-committee agreed to give the new owners of Cubes, in Duke Street, Blackburn, the chance to prove the venue could be operated without disturbing nearby neighbours.

But they warned Hope Croft Design Ltd, the Blackburn firm which has taken over Cubes from former owner Scott Moon, that the council would not hesitate to prosecute if noise levels rose to unacceptable levels.

The council revoked Cubes' public entertainment licence last December after residents in nearby streets claimed they were being kept awake by noise from the building, a former garage.

Mr Moon then obtained planning permission to rebuild Cubes, but it has remained shut since.

A noise consultants' report presented to the committee recommended the building be soundproofed, with several windows filled in, and a new ceiling installed.

Hope Croft director Gemma Elliott told the committee that the new owners hoped to re-open Cubes in the run-up to Christmas if the licence was granted.

Coun Derek Brindle expressed concern at the application, which will allow Cubes to open until 2am every day except Sunday night, after letters were received from residents begging the council to keep the club shut. The letters stated that since Cubes shut in January, they have not suffered any noise problems.

Environmental health officer Mark Croasdale reassured councillors that because a noise abatement notice still existed on the premises, any violation of acceptable noise levels would result in court action.

Councillors agreed the public entertainment licence could be granted once soundproofing had been carried out.