PLANS for Knutsford's nightclub have been thrown out. (From Warrington Guardian)

PLANS for Knutsford's nightclub have been thrown out.

Businessman Derek Panagakis' application for a liquor licence above the post office was refused by magistrates on Thursday after a six-hour hearing.

On Monday Mr Panagakis said a small group of councillors had ruined his £233,500 scheme for the Old Town Hall.

"We have been stymied by the police with the support of three councillors who have imposed themselves on the rest of Knutsford," he said.

He said he wouldn't appeal.

"The people of Knutsford and the building have missed out," he said.

Eighteen people - mostly elderly residents from nearby Ash Court and St John's and Methodist church representatives - crammed into the courtroom for Thursday's hearing to object to the scheme.

But Mr Panagakis, who has leased the listed building from Randle Brooks since 1972, said CCTV and a mature clientele would have prevented drink-related incidents in the streets.

During the hearing he dismissed police claims that the club would be besieged by troublemakers from out of town.

"We don't particularly want people from Manchester to be truthful," he told the hearing.

"It is going to be a Cheshire operation if it does go through."

But Supt Derek Barnett had said policing the club would stretch resources.

"When drink is involved common sense does tend to go out of the window," he said.

Other police objections included identifying under-aged drinkers, security and parking.

Yesterday (Tuesday) borough Clr Jan Verney said she was pleased with the magistrates decision but sympathised with Mr and Mrs Panagakis.

"It was obvious that they genuinely wanted to provide a smart, expensive, top of the market nightclub to cater for the many people who visit Knutsford at weekends," she said.

It's your loss, businessman tells town

NIGHTCLUB

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