PLANS to convert a former Amesbury bank into a nightclub have been met with mixed reactions following a public meeting.

Husband and wife Nathan and Hannah Muirhead, who run Keystone Entertainment, want to transform the HSBC bank in High Street almost two years after its closure in February 2016.

At a meeting last Sunday the ambitious plans for a “unique, multi-use venue” including nightclub, cocktail bar and community space were unveiled.

Mr Muirhead said: “This building has been empty for well over a year now and I don’t believe there is much interest in it.

“We want this to be a venue with style, high standards and, above all, a place that encourages trade in Amesbury.”

If planning consent is granted, the couple have said they could invest around £50,000, with the doors likely to open by April 2018.

“We want to keep the bank theme going throughout and if we were given planning permission it would take us about six weeks to convert,” added Mr Muirhead.

Since the meeting many have taken to social media to share their views, with some concerned about the potential for fights and drugs coming into the town.

Amesbury resident Jennifer Slade said: “I think it is the most stupid proposal I have ever come across, we already have a number of pubs in the area which already bring enough fights."

However, Ian Lamberth said the nightclub would be "a great asset to our community" and "might keep people coming" to the town.

To alleviate fears, Mr Muirhead said the club would employ six bouncers on a Friday and Saturday to be able to move trouble away from nearby houses.

“We have experience in the night-time economy as my mum owns the New Inn next door and we rarely experience problems at the weekend, and we would also work with Pubwatch.”

It is expected that a planning application will be submitted in the coming weeks.