THE future of an Accrington nightclub was this week hanging in the balance after one of the partners in the project dropped out.
A group of five friends launched Club Eclectic - in the former Lar-de-dars and Eclipse club on Willow Street - in August, after investing more than £50,000 in the project through their newly-formed company, Party on Lancs Ltd.
But Kristan Dewell, one of the five, pulled out of the venture last week - leaving the remaining four struggling to keep the business afloat.
Rob Graham, who ran the club with wife Cath, 27, sister Gaelle, 30, and her boyfriend Adam McEvoy, 25, said they had not been in touch with Kristan, who held the entertainment and liquor licences for the club, since she left. He added the club had stayed shut last weekend following the news, but they were hoping to open up again this evening.
Rob, 28, of Avenue Parade, Accrington, said: "We have spoken to a few people and we're looking into the possibilities. We're just trying to see whether it is viable to continue, but it is looking quite unlikely at the moment.
"It has been very difficult for me to get involved with the club because I have been suffering from a back injury, so Kristan was having to do the day-to-day running. We don't really know what's happening yet - it's all up in the air. But we're all gutted about it."
The club was originally home to the Accrington Arts Club and first opened in 1982 as the £1m nightspot Lar-de-dars. It was later renamed Eclipse but it closed down two years ago due to dwindling numbers of customers.
But earlier this year, the pals resurrected it after making a deal with the owners, Preston-based firm Ramm-designs, to take over the lease for a year. At the time, they said that they wanted to attract clubbers back to Accrington, rather than them having to travel out of town for a night out.
Kristan, 21, of Cleveleys Road, Accrington, was not available for comment as the Observer went to press.
