A YOUNG entrepreneur will not repeat the mistakes of a shamed nightclub if he gets permission to offer late night entertainment in Warminster town centre.
Roland Daniels, 24, runs the Ivory Rooms restaurant and bar underneath the former magistrates court. He is now refurbishing the ground floor of the building and plans to open a late night bar and dance floor from Thursday to Saturday.
The entrepreneur will ensure there are enough door staff and will liaise closely with the police to keep troublemakers away.
Mr Daniels will also impose a military ban because of problems with soldiers at Reflections nightclub in Westbury and Oscars nightclub on the Longleat estate.
Last month, police shamed Oscars nightclub as a den of violent crime with reports of assaults, fights, rape, burglary, theft, forgery and criminal damage.
Inspector Geoff Miles of Warminster and Westbury Police said: "I haven't had a discussion with the owner of the Ivory Rooms yet but I hope he will liaise closely with police."
Mr Daniels also has plans for regular cinema evenings and the building will be made available for private functions and wedding receptions.
He said: "Warminster loses too much business to other towns like Bath and Salisbury.
"I hope to hold jazz and classical music evenings. I also hope to place Warminster on the comedy circuit and attract top comedians."
Town councillor Chris March welcomes the plan providing it is properly controlled.
"The problems at Oscars were four to five miles away from the town centre but this is right in the middle. I'm sure there will be no problems if they work with all interested parties."
Cllr March is pleased that the part of the grade II listed building is being refurbished.
Mr Daniels will also help fund work to restore the building's stonework faade and clock. The rest of the money could come from a town council grant.
"I'm all for it," said Cllr March. "It will be great to bring the historic building back into community use. The exterior needs refurbishment because pigeons have damaged it.
"The work will benefit Roland and the town itself."
West Wiltshire District Council's historic building committee will meet later this month to discuss the restoration and any possible grants that may be offered.
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