THE former owner of Goldiggers nightclub, Paul Sampson, has agreed not to hold a directorship of any company for four years.

Mr Sampson was the owner of Gold Leisure Limited which ran Goldiggers nightclub. The company went into liquidation in August 2000 owing more than £310,000.

The Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has accepted from Mr Sampson, of Wicks Drive, Chippenham, a disqualification undertaking for four years in respect of his conduct as a company director.

The Secretary of State ruled that prior to January 1999, Mr Sampson should have been aware there was no prospect for the company, which at that time was trading at a loss.

The future of the club, in Timber Street, remains uncertain. David Edwards of Bath-based developers, E&J Leisure, said the deal was still unsigned because of standard conveyancing procedures.

He said he had no idea when the deal would be signed, but he was confident the matter would be concluded successfully.

Coun Philip Allnatt said a further report was due to go before North Wiltshire District Council's executive on April 4, which would outline how the council should respond to a request by E&J to alter the terms of the lease, to widen the future use of the building.

"Many of us are reluctant to do that," said Coun Allnatt. "We will see if we can have a few shops in there as well, but I feel if we change the terms we should go out to tender again. The matter is still up in the air."

Following public consultation last year the council decided to use the building for leisure purposes.

E&J had outlined plans for a theme pub and other leisure outlets in the former nightclub.

David Packham, district council leader, said he was unable to comment about the confidential report to the executive. "This has gone on a long time," he said. "We are putting the pressure on E&J to come to a conclusion. I am still hopeful that a satisfactory conclusion can be reached."