PLANS for a third nightclub in Stroud look set to be dashed today as councillors consider an application from the owners.

Jason Ayers and colleague Stephen Blake want to open what they describe as a sophisticated and stylish venue on the site of the notorious JoJo's nightclub in Stroud's Nelson Street.

Today councillors will gather at Ebley Mill to discuss the application for an entertainment licence.

Environmental health officers have recommended the application be refused and everyone from the police to a raft of residents have expressed concerns about the club.

But, Mr Ayers argues opening the club would not lead to a return of the 'bad old days'.

Under the heading of innocent until proven guilty on an information sheet sent out to the venue's neighbours he writes: "We are both local people and acknowledge the fact that the venue in its previous form was troublesome.

"However, times and people have changed.

"Riga aims to transform a building that is currently one 'of the town's largest eyesores and change the tarnished reputation of the venue."

Elsewhere in the letter he writes: "We are trying to open a respectable, safe and well-managed late-night venue for the town.

"It is not our intention to simply re-open the old doors to the old venue as it was." Ward councillor John Marjoram has objected to the licence in writing: "Residents were very hostile to the proposal," he wrote.

"One person said he would leave Stroud if this scheme goes ahead as he cannot stand any more broken windows late at night.

"Another asked why the entertainment industry ruins our lives. "In my view the people I have spoken to are not unreasonable.

"They feel that this location on the edge of a residential area is not an appropriate site for such a facility."

The police have also voiced strong reservations though not an outright objection while the council's own community safety officer has also lodged an objection.

The application is to be considered this afternoon by the licensing and regulation committee.

If it is thrown out Mr Ayers will have the right of appeal.