The future of the Studio 41 nightclub and Planet Lazer in Canterbury looks doomed after the business decided not to appeal against being refused planning permission for a new venue in Wincheap.

The club and lazer game attraction had to move off its former site in St George’s Place which is being redeveloped into student flats.

But it hopes of relocating to the former Printing House in Simmonds Road were dashed after a campaign by residents in the area persuaded the city council to reject planning permission.

Clubbers had even set up a Facebook supporters’ page called ‘Don’t Let Studio 41 Die’ to back the application.

But this week former entertainments manager Steve Sullivan admitted the chances of the nightclub and Planet Lazer attraction being revived were very slim.

He said: "We decided not to appeal because it would cost a lot of money and we were not convinced that an inspector would understand what we are about.

"We have not been able to find anywhere else suitable and so Canterbury will have to go without two previously popular attractions for young people."

Objectors to the Wincheap plan were most concerned about the potential nuisance from the nightclub. But Mr Sullivan said that both operations needed to stay together for the business to be viable.

He added: "It’s a tragedy because the area has also lost its bowling alley and there is nothing for young people to do. They are simply going elsewhere.

"It’s an absolute joke in a city like ours. We never used to be bothered about things like voting for the local council but perhaps we should now and look for candidates who are prepared to think of what young people want."