LICENSING chiefs in Warrington have put the final nail in one of the town's most famous clubs.

The town's licensing committee rejected a fresh application from The Carlton Club for a new late-night drinking licence at Warrington Magistrates' Court on Tuesday.

Its original licence was revoked after undercover police officers found it was not fulfilling its obligation to serve food last August.

The Sankey Street club has hosted legends such as Wilson Pickett, Eric Clapton and The Three Degrees in its 34-year-history, but owner Derek McCulloch believes this could be the end.

"It appears that that's it for the Carlton," said Mr McCulloch, speaking after the decision. "I can't really believe what's happened and it's quite hard to take in.

"By taking away the licence they have transformed a club worth £140,000 into something worth tuppenny," he said.

The court heard how Mr McCulluch and joint licensee Joan Roaden have lost more than £45,000 in turnover since the revocation of their Special Hours Licence in October.

The couple face mounting debts and have already been issued with a High Court writ from landlords Arcadia for more than £4,000 in unpaid rent.

Their Thyne Street home is also at risk because of money they borrowed against it to keep the club afloat.

Miss Roaden added: "Everything will depend on what the solicitors say. There may be courses of action we can take but we need to find several thousands of pounds straight away just to save the club."

The court heard how a 'catalogue of non-compliance' had occurred at the club dating back to 1980 with regards to serving food and unlicensed drinking.

Cheshire Constabulary's licensing officer Harry Ryder told the court: "The evidence is there and has been accepted that there have been breaches of the law. That means that this application ought to fail.

Mr Ryder added that Tuesday's application was "one of a desperate man."

Mr McCulloch admitted he had failed to provide food but that re-building the club's kitchen was his priority.

He said: "I didn't contact the police because I wanted to get the club sorted out. I'm the sort of person who only calls the police when there's a crime taking place.

"I didn't notify them and I apologise for that," he said.

Despite the dire financial situation faced by Mr McCulluch and Miss Roaden, the application was refused by the committee.

Chairperson Sonia Wright said: "We are not satisfied that you would comply with the licence as mentioned by the police in their objections."

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