A BURNLEY nightclub has shut its doors less than six months after it opened.

Level One, in Bull Street, has closed due to a dispute between club bosses and the venue's landlords, it is understood.

Leon Kelly, who managed the club alongside business partner Alison Frost, said the closure was a ‘very sad day’.

Jimmy Nelson, director of building owners, Hendon Trading Co Ltd, said the dispute was over an undisclosed amount of allegedly unpaid rent.

But Mr Kelly said it was over a 'utilities issue' and the matter was in the hands of his solicitors.

Mr Nelson said that the building would be marketed for a new tenant once the matter had been resolved.

He said: “It has always been a hotspot in the Burnley nightlife and has always been a very successful and busy pub but hasn't worked out as Level One.”

He said The Loft bar and cafe above was unaffected.

Mr Kelly, who also runs a Level One franchise in Accrington and will open another club in Darwen this month, said his solictors Farleys, were dealing with the matter.

He said: "It's not an unpaid rent matter. It's a utilities issue. We had a disagreement over utilities. I wouldn't say we've been in arrears. It’s just one of those things. I can’t say an awful lot but it’s nothing to do with how the club was doing.

“I’d like to thank everyone who came down and in due course we will give a full explanation of what’s gone on.”

The venue, formerly Paradise Island, opened in July last year, attracting worldwide attention online after a huge image of Mickey Mouse was spray-painted on the outside by graffiti artist Aroe. Among the special guests the club attracted was EastEnders actor Danny Dyer, who visited in October. It closed following a New Year's Eve party.

Mr Nelson said the future of the artwork would rest with the next tenant. On its official Twitter page, Level One said: “Sadly due to a dispute with the landlord, Level One Burnley is closed. We cannot comment further as the matter is in our solicitors’ hands.

“Accrington and Darwen are unaffected and we thank everyone who supported the venue and we wish the town’s nightlife good success in 2014.”