AN East Lancashire night spot may face closure after an incident which led to the death of an 18-year-old clubber.

Gavin Tattersall, of Cambridge Drive, Padiham, died in Blackburn Royal Infirmary the day after an alleged attack at Churchills, Accrington last month. Club manager Angela Calvert closed the venue for two nights following the incident.

But today she said dwindling numbers at the Cannon Street club since the incident may force the venue to close and all 15 staff could lose their jobs.

She said: "We closed for two days out of respect for Gavin's family and reopened the following Saturday but rumours are flying around that we have been closed down. This is not true but unless our customers come back it may become a reality."

Prior to the incident on May 27 the club attracted around 250 people on a Saturday night but last weekend just 100 passed through the doors. Last Friday there were fewer than 75 clubbers, Ms Calvert said.

She added: "Some people have approached me and said they have been told we have been closed down and others are frightened to come to the club after what happened.

"The figures coming through the doors have more than halved and the customers who have stood by us are now worried they will lose the place they go to because of dwindling numbers."

Ms Calvert will meet with bosses at Bolton-based Farnworth Whole Sale Drinks, who own the property, in a month to discuss the future of the club.

Two men from Clayton-le-Moors have been charged with murder following Gavin's death and a third man, from Haslingden, has been charged with grievous bodily harm. They will appear before Preston Crown Court on August 19.

Licensing officer PC Les Sholicar said: "The police and management have had a meeting to discuss the way the premises are run.

"They still have a licence and we will continue to work with them in the future regarding any issues around the licensing of the premises."