ONE of Ipswich's oldest nightclubs could be turned into a Chinese restaurant within months if a planning application is approved.The club, in Chevalier Street has been a nightspot since the sixties but today faces closure due to financial difficulties.

ONE of Ipswich's oldest nightclubs could be turned into a Chinese restaurant within months if a planning application is approved.

The club, in Chevalier Street has been a nightspot since the sixties but today faces closure due to financial difficulties.

Known to generations as the Chev Club, Club XS joins Fire and Ice as one of the town's oldest club venues.

But if Suffolk businessman, Richard Whitehurst has his way, the Tacket Street club will be the only survivor of the hippy era.

Mr Whitehurst is applying for the lease and plans to turn the Club XS into a restaurant and take-away.

If planning permission is granted, this could happen within eight months – with additions made to the building and a new access point opened in Blenheim Road.

Currently a brick wall blocks off the back of the club and Blenheim Road and

residents are furious about the plans to open it up.

They have even presented Ipswich Council with a petition voicing their opposition to the plans.

Sarah Everitt, who lives opposite the proposed site, said: "I don't mind the club turning into a restaurant, it's no worse than the club but an entrance opposite would make the street busy and it's bad enough as it is – I'm concerned about the extra traffic."

And neighbour, Richard Webb agrees, he is concerned about the possible safety implications for his children.

He said: "I think it will make the road much busier and more dangerous.

"People will get to know that they can cut through the car park and they'll use it in rush hour.

"I've written a letter to the council telling them what I think."

But potential buyer, Mr Whitehurst, believes a back entrance would be a positive feature and said that he knew nothing of the residents' objection to the plans.

He said: "We are looking to put an entrance off the main road as this will be quieter and there will be easier access in and out.

"There used to be access there and it was blocked off by the previous owner."

An Ipswich Council spokesman confirmed that the plans would go before committee on January 28.

The current owner of the lease did not wish to comment.