A NIGHTCLUB, which has become legendary among soldiers serving at Catterick Garrison, is to close its doors for the last time next week.

Invitations to a party next Saturday are being sent out around the area, but the evening will be Staxx's swansong.

The Vault and MJ's Music Bar share The Scorpion building on the edge of Colburn and will also close once the last guests have left. The premises will then be sold to developers, ahead of demolition to make way for a new retail park.

"There is a lot of sadness around the place at the moment as it has been here such a long time," said owner Melva Steckles.

"I have had phone calls from all over the world from soldiers and their families who met or even married here, wanting to know if what they've heard is true. Some have even asked for bricks as a memento.''

However, the demise of Staxx heralds a new era for the area's nightlife. Late licences have already been granted to Ms Steckles' other premises at Catterick Garrison.

"The police have been very supportive in our applications," said Ms Steckles.

"Harry's Bar and Louis' Bar will continue to be run by staff with recognised training, while door staff will be registered with the North Yorkshire Door Safe scheme. We will also remain part of the Pub Watch network.''

Ms Steckles said it was the uncertainty over the future which prompted the closure of the three bars at The Scorpion.

"We have known about plans to redevelop the Colburn area for some time, but it was getting more and more difficult to plan ahead," she said. "We couldn't say whether or not we would still be here for the functions people were wanting to book, so it seemed to make more sense to call it a day."

Although a fresh planning application for a retail park at Colburn is in the pipeline, negotiations over a price for The Scorpion building are continuing.

Demolition will only begin when a deal has been agreed and Richmondshire District Council has given its blessing to the redevelopment of the site.