CHIPPENHAM NEWS: THE proprietor of Corsham's only nightclub has pledged to rid the place of its negative image when it reopens in June.

Former Bath rugby player Chris Lilley has secured a 2am license for the Flamingo Club in Westwells Road, which as been closed since last year. But to mark a new start for the 400-person venue it will now be called Lilley's.

Mr Lilley, 47, plans to make the club a 'place for nice people' when it reopens in the second week of June and hopes to involve it in Corsham's live music calendar.

Residents living near the former Flamingo Club say their lives were blighted with vandalism and anti-social behaviour from clubbers and are concerned it now has a Wednesday to Saturday licence. But Mr Lilley is keen to work with the local Neighbourhood Watch to deal with their concerns.

He said: "I'm obviously trying to make it a nice place for nice people to get rid of the clientele it could do without.

"I really feel sorry for the residents about the problems that have arisen in the past. It is a new era and we need to stamp it out."

Mr Lilley said the club will be strictly for over 21s and have a membership scheme, although the cost of subscription has not been decided. He also plans to hold community-focused nights at which tribute bands will play.