A POPULAR nightclub is to close at the end of the month.

The Squash Nightclub, which is based at the Herts Country Club in Chequersfield, Welwyn Garden City, will be closing its doors for the final time at the end of February.

A legal agreement between the club and Hertfordshire County Council means the nightclub had to cease operating once work began on a new housing estate next to the country club.

And this week Wimpey homes laid down the first foundations of its Chequersfield development, which will eventually see 309 homes built on the site.

Herts Country Club director Alan Roberts said: "We always knew this was going to happen and we have been prepared for it.

"Twenty years ago the county council closed down a school on the site and let us open up the club with the knowledge that it would have to close down when they found a use for the site.

"It is disappointing, but you can understand that people living there would not want a nightclub right next door.

"The nightclub is only a small part of the entire country club and we still have our function suite and sporting facilities."

Mr Roberts said the club had looked into putting on a club night at another venue in Welwyn Garden City, but was unsuccessful.

Before it finally closes its doors the club will be running a full programme of events including its famous school disco on Saturday, February 19, and a back to 92 promotion night on the closing night of Saturday, February 26.

Licensee Karen Andrews said: "The closure of the nightclub will be the end of an era for everyone aged over 18 within the area.

"We believe that there will be many old and new friends who will want to come and say their goodbyes."