A fight is underway to reclaim a former nightclub building taken over by “raving” protesters.

Dartford council says it is working with administrators to evict a group who have taken up residence in the former ATIK venue in Dartford.

Starbass UK announced last week they had entered the now empty club as part of a “Save Our Nightlife” campaign which saw them “squat” inside as part of a “rave uprising”.

Barriers were placed in front of the club's entrance in Essex Road with flags, a blow-up nutcracker and a smiley face sign.

In videos plastered across their social media platforms, the group claims to have “acquired” the venue through “squatting loopholes” in order to highlight the plight of young creatives in the music and entertainment industry.

Meanwhile, Dartford council says it is working with the administrators, who have responsibility for the building, to “effect a speedy handover” of the property.

A spokesman for the council said: “We are aware that a group of people has moved into the building, and both the police and the council are monitoring the situation with a view to remove said persons from the property as a matter of urgency.

“At the moment, the council is unable to predict what any future use of the building will look like but we are very aware that over the years and under its many different names, ATIK played an important role in our nighttime economy, and we are doing our best to secure a positive future for our community.”

There have been reports of music being played inside the venue but it’s understood no noise complaints have been made to the police.

A spokesman from Starbass UK – who did not wish to be named – previously explained how the group gains access to disused spaces.

They said: “We are witnessing a trend in British nightlife herding everyone into super clubs.

“We are all about growth and opportunity for young creatives, but with clubs closing and the market for creative opportunities thinning due to high costs, we are losing our musical heritage.

The spokesman claimed they did not break into venues but instead find inventive ways, such as through an open window or are let in by a disgruntled employee. It is not clear how they entered the space in Dartford.

The two-storey club, which has been named Scala, Flicks, Air and Breathe and Zens and Library in its four-decade history closed last month after the firm which runs it and several other clubs across the country called in administrators.

Rekom UK announced due to higher bills amid the ongoing cost of living crisis it would be shutting its venues.

Chairman of the nightclub operator, Peter Marks, said: “Following a review of our business, we were unable to reach an agreement with our landlord and have been forced to hand back the lease of ATIK Dartford.

“Sadly, this means the club has closed and our team has been made redundant.”

When approached for comment Kent Police said the council was dealing with the matter.