AN entertainments boss has been given the green light for a showpiece club in Nelson- which he says will be the area's number one nightspot.

Richard Gallamore is pumping £600,000 into the century old former Grand Theatre but his plans were scuppered when licensing magistrates, confronted by police objections, rejected his application for a provisional special hours certificate.

Mr Gallamore appealed against the decision and a judge and four justices, who were told Nelson was "dead as far as entertainment goes," overruled objections and decided the upmarket and multi-purpose venture was just what the town needed.

Mr Gallamore, of Elm Close, Barnoldswick, is now busy preparing for the opening of Equinox in late October and promises top notch live entertainment aimed at the over 25s, and a sound system which will knock spots off its rivals - all in a problem-free atmosphere.

The former DJ, well known in the area's club scene, is convinced his project will be a success and has put all his assets into it. Mr Gallamore now has to go before licensing justices to rubber stamp his applications but is all set for the big night on October 28.

The court heard the former theatre, on Market Street, Nelson, had been derelict but police objected to a nightclub because of fears over public order problems.

Judge Raymond Bennett, who recalled Blackburn's old Cavendish Club, which attracted top class entertainment, said Nelson already had four nightclubs but none offered 'Cavendish style' attractions.

He said the issues were whether Nelson needed such a club and whether the police would be presented with more public disorder.

The judge said nobody had come forward to say there was no need for the club.

Several witnesses of standing within the community had backed the venture, including councillors and Pendle's chief building officer.

Judge Bennett told the court it was not justifiable to say an increase in public order offences was of such significance that the appeal should not be allowed.

He went on: "We think the clientele would be rather different from that of a nearby nightclub.

"The appellant wants to attract people from outside the area and is aiming at a particular kind of clientele. We hope he achieves it."

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