A TOP Burnley nightclub has closed and the building repossessed by landlords.

Barcode, in Hammerton Street, was shut down by owners Burnley Estates Ltd after the company cut ties with the leaseholders GSA Leisure Ltd.

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The venue is the fourth major Burnley town centre night spot to shut inside 16 months following the closure of Walkabout, Lava & Ignite and Level One.

Both parties remained tight-lipped about the reasons for the closure.

A notice posted on Barcode's door, dated June 10, said: "Take notice that these premises have been repossessed today following forfeiture of the lease by peaceable re-entry by the landlord, Burnley Estates Limited."

The notice, signed by Burnley Estates Ltd director Pam Shipp, added: "Further take notice that following the repossession, the locks to the premises have been changed. Any attempt to re-enter the premises is prohibited without the written permission of the landlord or its solicitors or agents."

Mrs Shipp said the company, based in Farnham, Surrey, could not comment further as legal proceedings were ongoing, but said the building would be re-let when the current dispute was resolved.

Nightclub owner Leon Kelly, who formerly ran Level One Burnley in Bull Street, said Barcode's fate was indicative of a lack of footfall in the town.

He said: "We closed in Burnley last January because quite simply we weren't making any money. People aren't staying in venues for enough hours.

"They drink at home and then when they come out they don't spend as much. By the time employers have paid al the staff, security and licences, there is nothing left.

"When national chains like Walkabout and Lava & Ignite are pulling out, you know the town is in trouble."

Last night, the bar's website and Twitter account had both been shut down, while there was no mention of the closure on its Facebook page.

Customers took to social media to express their dismay at the decision to close the club, formerly known as The Isa Bar.

Matt Heap ?said: "Barcode has shut? Wow, Burnley nightlife is dying a death."

Ebony Burbridge said: "No way has Barcode shut down, what is going on?"

Jason Fenn and Martyn Robinson, directors AT GSA Leisure Ltd, both declined to comment, although Mr Robinson claimed he had not been involved in running the club for 'a few months'.