TWO former nightclub owners from Preston have been disqualified from acting as company directors, a court has heard.

Mahendra Parekh and his wife, Amita, last known to live at Dove Street, were disqualified for periods of ten and five years respectively at Preston Crown Court earlier this month.

The Disqualification Orders were made in respect of Mr Parekh's conduct as a director of Sonners (Discos) Ltd -- a company which operated 'The Place' which later became known as 'Arabellas' nightclub in Church Street, Preston.

The couple's conduct as directors of Amba Leisure Ltd and Lakshmi Leisure Ltd also formed part of the Disqualification Orders.

On March 17, 1994, the assets of Sonners (Discos) Ltd was transferred to Amba Leisure Ltd which traded in the same business at 'Arabellas' nightclub.

On March 15, 1994, the company was struck off by the Registrar of Companies and dissolved on March 22, 1994 with an estimated £121,017 deficiency. The Orders also disqualify Mr and Mrs Parekh from taking part in the promotion, formation or management of a company.

Amba Leisure ceased trading in July 1995 and sold its assets to Lakshmi Leisure Ltd which had been incorporated by both parties on June 17, 1995.

Lakshmi Leisure Ltd continued trading the nightclub 'Arabellas' from the same address until it was wound up in April, 2000.

The estimated deficiency was £389,016, including £211,200 due to trade creditors and £77,801 due to Crown departments.

The allegations of unfit conduct found by the court were that Mr and Mrs Parekh financed Amba Leisure Ltd by the retention of monies owned by the Crown, continued trading without regard to creditors and failed to ensure that the proper accounting records were maintained.