A NIGHTCLUB could be closed by police over a catalogue of fights and public disorder.

Landlords of the Goodnight Club, in Stanley Street, Nelson, have been accused of allowing 'out-of-control' customers to cause 'serious' problems.

Police say there have been nearly 70 reported incidents of crime or disorder connected with the club since the start of 2007.

Sixty-two of the offences, which include fights, assaults, possession of weapons and drug use, are said to have happened after 1am.

Police have applied to Pendle Council for a review of the venue's licence and, if councillors agree the club have been poorly managed, then the licence could be suspended or removed permanently.

But landlord David Geddes, who took over the running of the club in November, said he was being penalised for the actions of the previous landlords, as only 18 of the reported incidents have taken place under his ownership.

Pc Chris Storrey, of Pendle police's licensing department, said in a report prepared for the licensing committee: "These incidents include reports of assaults, public order offences, possession of weapons and drugs, and theft.

"The incidents and requests for assistance show a total lack of control at the premises or the ability to comply with the prevention of crime and disorder objectives of the licensing objectives.

"Despite advice from the police, the premises continue to employ unlicensed door supervisors."

Police have already issued a closure notice against the club citing problems with unlicensed door supervisors and a lack of CCTV.

The order remains in force for the next six months and there will be periodic checks to see if the venue complies with conditions.

If they do not, police can apply to magistrates to have the premises closed, over a given timescale, to ensure licensing conditions are met. Police say so far this has worked.

PC Mark Driver, also of the licensing section, added: "There have been a number of problems.

"We do not ask for reviews very often but we have done a number of interventions with the licensees, like introducing plastic glasses."

Mr Geddes is now taking legal advice and denied the allegations about the club, which is a member of the neighbourhood watch scheme.

He said: "There is a lot of drinking in the town centre and when the pubs close they all come here because we are the only nightclub left open.

"The trouble occurs when they try and get in and we refuse.

"I have co-operated with the police and only used licensed doormen contrary to the allegations.

"I have closed the club early to avoid trouble and I feel like I am being penalised for the old owners' actions."

Three men are still awaiting sentence at Burnley Crown Court over a melee outside the Stanley Street club in mid-January.

CCTV cameras captured footage of three men being kicked and stamped on by a gang.

No racial motive is believed to be behind the attack but prosecutors say the trio were lucky to escape with just cuts and bruises.

Marc Holden, 20, and Michael Riding, 19, both of Cravendale Avenue, and Kieran Denton, 22 of Fir Street, all Nelson, have admitted affray, in relation to the incident.

The three men will appear in court again on April 11 and have been warned that they are likely to be jailed.

People with an interest in the application are being asked to contact the licensing department at Nelson Town Hall by March 21.

The club's review will then be considered at a future meeting of the borough's licensing committee.