STROLL TO CASH:The Macmillan 'Circ' loses bid for nightclub licence

THE recently re-opened Circulation in Burnley has lost its bid to become a full nightclub, but bosses promise it will become an "alternative" night out instead.

The venue, in Holmes Street, has had a late entertainment licence refused by Burnley Council and will only be able to open until 11pm.

The owners do not plan to appeal the decision and say the venue, once the place to be seen in the town, could become an alternative "early nightclub."

The " Circ", which closed six years ago, was given new life four months ago after the owner, property developer Ray Harrison, spent almost £100,000 on re-opening its doors.

The club, popular in Burnley in its heyday in the 1980s, once had a reputation for trouble and local residents objected to it opening again.

Burnley Council would not allow the premises a public entertainment licence but Mr Harrison and business partner, manager Gary Pollard won a licence after appealing the decision before Burnley licensing justices.

Mr Pollard said: "We now plan to get people to see The Circulation more as a pub rather than a club.

" We hope that people will start off here on their Saturday night out for example and then go on somewhere else."

The Circulation, which is open to the over 25s, has been back on its feet for 21 weeks and Mr Pollard said he was pleased with its success so far.

The Circ has lots of attractions lined up, including a Sunday Sport Roadshow with Showershow and lap dancing on August 20. That will be a first for the premises, although it has already had strippers on since it reopened.

The Circ will also play host to chart toppers The Real Thing the orginal 70s group, on Friday, September 17 and soul and Motown nights will feature throughout August.