Ref. 28450-13A SWINDON nightclub believes it is winning the battle to keep drug dealing at bay.

Four months ago, Vision bar and caf, in Cricklade Road, Gorse Hill, looked like a building site as it underwent a £60,000 revamp.

Dark corners in the club have now disappeared to create an open plan environment, which acts as a deterrent against drug dealing.

Andy Humphries and Cathy Bailey, who took over managing the club in November, are thrilled with the results of the refurbishment.

Miss Bailey, 41, said: "The atmosphere here has really improved and we are looking forward to an even more successful New Year."

The 250-capacity club, formerly Plessys Club, opened three years ago and became known as a haunt for drug dealers. But by renovating the premises and working closely with the police, Vision has transformed its reputation.

Miss Bailey said: "We have got rid of the troublemakers and our clientele has got a lot better. I have lived in Gorse Hill for 19 years and it's nice to see old faces coming back, now the club is back on track."

Besides replacing walls with windows, the facilities have been updated. Children are now welcome during the day, when the club opens to serve drinks and light meals.

She said: "We plan to make the menu more varied and hope to be serving Sunday lunch soon."

Joanne Thirkettle, 23, from Penhill, is happy to bring her three-year-old son, Reece, to the club during the day.

She said: "The club looks brilliant and everyone is very friendly. It has definitely changed for the better."

Patrick Joyce, 35, Gorse Hill, is one of the club's new customers.

He said: "I used to avoid the place like the plague because it looked so undesirable. When I saw the revamp, I went in out of curiosity. The culture has totally changed and is now so warm and welcoming."

Mickey Pope, 55, from Stratton St Margaret, also comes for the homely environment.

He said: "The staff have worked really hard to turn things round and their efforts seem to have paid off. I haven't seen any trouble since the revamp."

Geoff Hicks, licensing officer for Swindon police, is also pleased with the club's progress.

Mr Hicks said: "I have developed a good relationship with the club's management, which aims to make it a decent club for decent people."

He said he was aware of problems with the use and dealing of illegal drugs in Gorse Hill.

Mr Hicks added: "The management team has challenged this problem by making the bar area more open.

"This has created an environment whereby acts involving the use of illegal drugs are not only discouraged but also difficult to sustain. This is a genuine attempt to curb the drug problem and I would encourage other licence holders to take the same stance."

Victoria Tagg