A NEW NIGHTCLUB is set to open in North Yorkshire under plans by three businessmen.

The club, expected to cost £750,000, will be the first of its kind in Malton and Norton.

The project will involve the conversion of a disused building in Norton Industrial Estate.

The three men behind the scheme say their plans will transform the fortunes of the twin towns, socially and economically.

But first their plans have to meet the approval of Ryedale District Council's central area planning committee.

One of the investors, David Bradley, who is currently licensee at the King's Head, in Malton, said the location had been chosen to lessen the impact on residents.

"It is well away from any homes so no residents will be disturbed by the noise," he said.

"We have checked with surrounding businesses and they are happy for us to go ahead.

"I have spoken to some police officers and they think it's a good idea because it'll keep everyone in one place at night and make it easier to police.

"We think there shouldn't be any problems getting a late licence - all we have to do now is convince the planning department to support it.

"Our architect is working on the plans and we hope to submit a planning application very soon.

"If everything goes smoothly we'll have it all up and running by the summer."

The other two investors in the venture are Steven Eldridge and Paul Forster - both local businessmen. The club will be a high-quality venue which will liven up the towns, said Mr Bradley.

"There have been reports recently about Malton and Norton licensees losing trade because there are no clubs - people tend to go to York and Scarborough instead," he added.

"If we have a club in the town, people will stay here at weekends and pub licensees will benefit from the extra trade. We might even start attracting in drinkers from York and Scarborough."

"There will be jobs created but it will also be seen as an extra facility within the town - which could attract other businesses into the area," he said.

"On Thursdays and weekends we intend to have a bus service running from the town to take people to the club," said Mr Bradley.

"After the club shuts, it's only a 15-minute walk to Malton town centre, an even shorter one to Norton."

Updated: 14:05 Wednesday, January 09, 2002