A NEW nightclub could be opened in Evesham's High Street next June, following support from the town council for an entertainment licence.

Marilyn's Leisure Ltd, is investing £1.5m into the former Bingo Hall at 54 High Street, to turn it into a nightclub.

The plans for the two-storey building include with an all-day caf bar and a nightclub on the ground floor, with offices and kitchens above.

At a town council meeting on Monday members voted to back the firm's plans even though the applicant had requested to open from 9am to 2am the next morning from Monday to Saturday, with shorter hours on Sundays.

Councillor Alan Booth said: "We have no problem with Marilyn's in Bridge Street, it is run pretty well."

Coun Steve Selby, a taxi driver, said: "I sit outside Marilyn's many a night and there is very little trouble. Coun Andy Dyke also shared the same view as nine other councillors who supported the licence application.

Six councillors were not happy about the extended opening hours however. Coun Roma Kirk said: "These hours make me shudder." She said neighbours and elderly people living around Bridge Street already regularly complained about the noise at 3 and 4am in the morning. Despite misgivings, the councillors decided not to wait for a police report before forwarding their support to Wychavon District Council, the licensing authority.

The licence request by Marilyn's Leisure is a preliminary one to start from June 2003, as the alterations have not yet been completed.

Managing director of the firm, Ciaran MacCana said: "The plans have been scaled down from a £2.5m development, after a lot of research and work with the council." He said the nightclub area was now going in an extension at the back of the caf bar instead of on the first floor. He added: "It will be a very smart place to be for a wide age group."