AS STROUD mourns the loss of Jack Mitchell, the decision to close the nightclub where he died has sparked debate.

The 24-year-old soldier from Stroud died at the Warehouse in the early hours of Sunday, February 5 following an alleged fight.

A 28-year-old man from Stroud was arrested on suspicion of murder and bailed until May 3 pending further enquiries.

Hundreds of people have paid tribute to Jack, who was a gunner in the 32 Regiment Royal Artillery stationed in Salisbury.

Flowers have been laid outside the Warehouse, a candle-lit vigil was held at Stroud Baptist Church and a book of condolences has been started at the town council office.

Last week district councillors decided to suspend the Warehouse’s music and alcohol licence for 28 days after an application from police, effectively closing the London Road club for a month.

Some people have called for the Warehouse to be closed permanently as they feel it causes trouble in the surrounding streets, however others said the club was good for the town’s economy and stressed that the venue was not at fault for Jack’s death.

There was also criticism of the club’s 4am closing time.

Katie Stephens, shift leader at The Lord John pub near the club, said: “Business was a lot quieter on Saturday night, we had about half as many people come in.

“People came in to watch the rugby and we had older groups but I think people have been slightly scared off drinking alcohol and would have been put off from going to Warehouse even if it was open.”

She added: “We don’t usually get any trouble from people heading off to the nightclub, we stop serving alcohol at 12 which helps prevent that.”

In a poll on the SNJ website, 61 per cent of those who voted supported the decision to suspend the club’s licence.

A member of staff at Curio Lounge, Anna Szkurlat, said: “I think it would be a lot better if the club closed earlier, I think people would feel a lot safer.

“There would be fewer people in the streets late at night and the police wouldn’t be needed as much.”

“We stay open until midnight which means that people can’t drink as much before moving on.”

John Marjoram, district councillor for the Trinity ward, said: “I would say that there will be many people in Stroud including shopkeepers near the Warehouse who will be relieved that the police have ordered a review of the licence.

“There are complaints about the club every Saturday night. Just three weeks ago a number of nearby shop windows were smashed. I have had on occasions people tell me of fights inside the building as well as outside on the street.”

Ali Can, chef at USA Chicken, near the nightclub, said: “It really hasn’t affected business too much, people still go to the Lord John pub down the street and then come to us for their food afterwards.

“I think it would be a lot safer for young people if the nightclub closed earlier, say around 2.30am. They wouldn’t be able to drink as much so there wouldn’t be as many fights and bad behaviour.”