TWO months after opening, the new team at Club Nero claim they have transformed it from a troublespot to a hot spot.

When the new owners took over the former Mad Jacks nightclub on The Bridge, Chippenham, 13 weeks ago they pledged to change its alleged reputation of violence.

Promotions manager Robbie Pinkerton said: "There's only been one minor incident since we opened, which is nothing at all for a nightclub.

"We just don't let idiots in at the front door now."

The four-level club has been completely re-decorated and is planning to launch a number of new ideas to create a good atmosphere and build up numbers.

"People can enjoy the top three levels but if they want a smarter night out the bottom level is becoming a VIP area," said Mr Pinkerton.

"The second floor is an intense clubbing environment with a dance floor, and the third floor is very bright and a little bit quieter.

"The fourth floor is going to be a bit of a surprise. It will be a lot more relaxing, a chill out lounge. It's going to be very unique."

Billy Hines, 26, and Claudio Viverios, 28, bought the club in April. They re-branded it and installed a new sound system and a laser light show.

"We have live DJs from all over the country," said Mr Pinkerton.

"Club Nero is the only place in the town that has live DJs every night it's open.

"The main thing with Chippenham is it has a lot of potential. People here are of the right age for clubbing but they travel to places like Bath and Bristol.

"We want to save them the trouble and offer them a good night out in their home town.

"But people are very stuck in their ways. We want them to try Club Nero out and see how much it has changed from Mad Jacks. Club Nero wants to send out a message to potential troublemakers that they are not welcome.

Mr Pinkerton said that every Saturday night is the official Smirnoff Dance Party.

"We do special offers on all Smirnoff products and every Friday night, launching tomorrow, is car wash night," he added. "The club will be playing retro disco classics, from 60s to late 80s."

Plans are in the pipeline for a shuttle bus with a Corsham taxi company, every Friday and Saturday.

"It gives people the chance to travel over to Chippenham and get a lift home, safely," Mr Pinkerton said.