TIME is running out for developer E&J, which has just over two weeks left to complete a deal for the former Chippenham nightclub Goldiggers.

E&J Redditch submitted a planning application to change the use of the Timber Street site from a nightclub to a wider range of leisure uses, such as a food and drink outlet, a caf, or food takeaway with a small shop.

Coun Ruth Coleman said the application would be considered by North Wiltshire District Council's development control committee at its first meeting on May 28.

E&J director Barry Jones told the Gazette the change of use application met the contract demands.

"We're just waiting to find out the committee date, and once we have the change of use we can draw up the details of the scheme and submit another planning application," he said.

Mr Jones said it had a couple of small tenants and one big tenant lined up but he would not reveal who they were. He reckoned it would take about six to eight weeks to draw up detailed plans and suggested work on the site might begin in about three to four months if all goes to plan.

Coun Coleman, prospective leader of the council's Liberal Democrat group, confirmed a deal had to be finalised by the end of the month.

"Development control will have to decide whether they accept the change of use application or not. If they do not accept it then time has run out for E&J," she said.

"If they do accept it, E&J will have to complete the deal immediately or that's the end of it."

Coun Coleman said the final outcome remained in the balance as the new development control committee would contain many new members following this month's local elections, some of whom would have strong views.

Already other groups have expressed an interest in the site, including the Station Hill Baptist Church, which proposed turning the former nightclub into a community facility and Christian resource centre.

Now Chippenham resident Jenny Wilson is putting together plans to convert the dilapidated building into a music studio, juice bar, venue and meeting room for young people.

Mrs Wilson, a housewife and grandmother of Dallas Road, said she was inspired because of the lack of facilities for young people in the town.

She said: "The council will phone me in May if the deal with E&J does not go through. Now I am looking into funding and I've contacted the information bureau for help."

Anyone wishing to help with the project should contact theGazette's Chippenham office on (01249) 654422.