PLANS to open a new nightclub to rival Kidderm-inster's existing after-hours venues have been unveiled.

Pub landlords and police have welcomed the scheme for the former BT Exchange in Blackwell Street, which would end 15 years of uncertainty over the building.

Court Club Leisure Ltd - owner of Tramps in Worcester - wants to create a two-floor club, featuring three DJ consoles and bars.

Stourbridge solicitors Wall, James and Davies, acting for the firm, says the venue already has planning approval to open as a snooker and pool club and so a new application is not necessary.

Instead the company has applied to Wyre Forest District Council for a certificate of lawfulness - a legal document which confirms approval for a similar type of use already exists and remains valid.

This would pave the way for a revamp, subject to licensing approvals.

There are currently three after-hours clubs in the town - Zanzibar, Mirage and Redwoods.

News of the possible addition has been welcomed by pub landlords, who hope it will help breathe new life into the town.

Dave Hipkiss, vice chairman of Kidderminster Licensees' Associ-ation, said: "Anything which could attract customers into town at night is great. There would be a knock-on effect for pubs in the town and that would be very welcome.

"The company involved has a very good reputation," he added.

This was supported by PC John Bulmer, of the police licensing department, who said discussions had been held and investigations carried out into the company and there were no objections.

The 14,500 sq ft site used to house a telephone exchange until BT shut it down in 1986 with the loss of 26 jobs. It has been the subject of several planning applications which have come to nothing.

The snooker hall project was approved last year, and minor works were carried out last July.