By Jenny Barwise

Last updated at 16:17, Monday, 14 January 2013

A club which was a haven for drunken louts will be turned into three terraced houses.

The former Workington Labour Club

Plans were revealed last year by Seaton property developer Satnam Deo to transform Workington’s nuisance Labour Club into homes.

The club, also known as the William Street Club, has a troubled history.

People living near to the premises were constantly complaining to police about drunks falling out of the club in the early hours of the morning, shouting abuse and smashing windows.

Vicious attacks and street brawls also took place outside the club and loud music constantly blared from the premises – which is in the middle of a residential area. After numerous calls to police by fed-up residents, the club was finally ordered to close by Allerdale Council three years ago.

But even though it shut down, residents feared that new owners could move in and reopen it.

However, their fears have now been quashed as Mr Deo’s planning application has been approved by Allerdale council.

When the redevelopment plans were made public, Frank Blacklock, who lives opposite the club, spoke about how his life had been made a misery by the behaviour of drinkers.

“Life is a lot better now the club has closed,” said the 77-year-old. “There used to be people fighting in the middle of the road – it was terrible.”

Another resident, who did not want to be named, said that she was scared to leave her home when the club was open for fear of being abused by drinkers.

“Even though the club was closed down, the thought was always in the back of our minds that it could reopen. I will sleep better knowing it is going to be turned into houses,” she said.

The club was ordered to close after police were called to the premises 20 times in six months. When it was shut down, officers instrumental in its closure were given an award for their work.

PC Lorraine Murphy and Ken Sharples, Allerdale council’s legal officer, were both awarded a certificate of merit for helping to stop anti-social behaviour.

An appeal against the ruling to revoke the club’s licence was refused.

First published at 16:14, Monday, 14 January 2013
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk