THE closure of Okehampton's only nightclub has left residents with mixed feelings.

Rumours Nightclub on Market Street closed last month. An unsigned message on the social website, Facebook, stated: 'Rumours Nightclub is now closed.

'Thanks to everyone, both customers and staff, we've had some good times!'

Businesses that could be affected by the closure, include taxi services in the town.

Mayor of Okehampton and owner of Okehampton Taxis, Cllr David Weekes, said: 'It does affect us a bit, obviously.

'I would like to see someone else take it on and convert the upstairs into what used to be the old social club, with three full-sized snooker tables and the separate hall for bingo and whist drives.

'Perhaps downstairs could be converted into some sort of clothes market for those over 50.

'It's not as bad now because some of the pubs have a late license, but it's a shame to see it go.

'Hopefully, someone else will take it on — it was a great venue to get people to come to the town in the evenings.'

Resident of Okehampton Tom Newly said he felt very disappointed the nightclub had shut.

Mr Newly, 19, said: 'Now Rumours is closed, there is nowhere for us to go and have fun.

'It was a good place to go after the pubs and I had a lot of fun there — not everyone who went there caused trouble.

'It means people now have to go to Exeter or Plymouth if they want a night out, whereas before it was on our doorstep.'

West Devon Borough Cllr Christine Marsh said young people were now desperate for somewhere to go.

'It was a facility, but it had brought its problems at times — there's always good and bad with these things.

'But it was somewhere for people to go to and there isn't a lot in the area.

'It would be good to have it as a youth place for young people to use, but with no alcohol.

'It could be used as somewhere they can go for music and to play pool.

'If that could be looked at, then it would be great.'