CONCERNS have been raised that there could soon be ‘nothing left’ for a town centre’s nightlife after another venue confirmed its closure.

Bees Knees Accrington officially confirmed over the weekend the venue in St James Street had closed.

This is the latest in a series of closures of pubs in Accrington in recent years, with Varsity Accrington, previously The Calder Inn, also closing this year.

Cllr Tony Dobson, who owns the Arcade and Attic bars in Accrington which are both closed and looking for new tenants, said there were fundamental problems with night life in the town.

Cllr Dobson said: “It is always disappointing when a venue like this closes.

“I know the venue has tried to be innovative to keep people interested.

“Something needs to be done or there’s going to be nothing left to do in Accrington town centre for the night-time economy.

“There is a fundamental problem with venues closing in the area.

“It needs millions of pounds spending on it like what they are doing over in Blackburn.”

The Bridge Inn and Bailey’s, both in Church Street, are other Accrington pubs which have been forced to close in recent years.

Bees Knees Accrington had previously shut temporarily in 2009 before reopening in 2010.

A Facebook post from Bees Knees Accrington said: “Bees Knees Accrington is no more.

“After major investment into the brand over the last few years unfortunately Accrington doesn’t fit into the new format.

“We have had many of happy memories in the town.

“Thanks to all the custom over the years it’s truly appreciated.

“But it’s not a goodbye.

“We have sites in Blackburn, Rawtenstall and Burnley soon enough so not far to go to get your Bees Knees fix.”

Bees Knees opened in Blackburn last year after a £250,000 revamp of the former TSB Bank in Lord Street West.

Lancashire Telegraph beer expert Mark Briggs said pub closures in Accrington were part of a wider issue.

He said: “It has come as a surprise to me that Bees Knees Accrington has closed, especially with them opening one soon in Burnley. But lots of pubs are closing nationally and Accrington is the same.

“It’s the same old story, drinking habits are changing, social habits are changing.

“Fewer people are going to their local pub and more are buying beers from the supermarket and drinking at home.

“But I do think Accrington still has some great venues, Grants Bar, Peel Park Hotel and Canine Club are prime examples of that.”