A NIGHTCLUB where a teenager was allegedly attacked shortly before his death has closed down because of a drop in business.

Churchills, in Cannon Street, Accrington, was the scene of an incident that led to the death of 18-year-old clubber Gavin Tattersall, of Cambridge Drive, Padiham, in May.

The club has lost so much custom since the incident, which occurred while Gavin was celebrating a friend's birthday, that it has been forced to close its doors for the last time this week.

Manager Angela Calvert said the decision was taken at a meeting on Monday morning although she would be staying on as licensee and the club would still be used for functions.

She said she would be meeting with the owners in September when a decision would be made whether to keep the premises in the licensed trade or turn it into luxury flats, she said.

She said: "We have shut. Trade has just dropped so dramatically due to that incident, it was costing money to keep it open.

"We have had less than half the customers we had before. We were looking at nearly 300 people on a Saturday night but we have barely been bringing in 100 people recently.

"It has been a big blow."

The club, owned by Farnworth Wholesale Drinks, has been open for seven years as Churchills.

"We have still got a few bookings and it's got a 2am licence," said Ms Calvert.

Doorman Ian Britcliffe, 42, of John Street, Clayton-le-Moors, and his son Christopher Britcliffe, 21, also of John Street, have been charged with murdering Mr Tattersall, and wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

Another doorman, Kenneth Halstead, 41, of South View, Haslingden, is charged with wounding Mr Tattersall with intent to cause him grievous bodily harm.