A Chatham nightclub is closing until a new owner can be found.

Krystals Nightclub and Vanity Bar, in New Road, will shut on Saturday, nearly two years after it faced a fierce battle to open.

The venue hit problems when Medway Council refused to allow it to be changed from a members-only club to a nightclub. It also refused to extend its opening hours with residents claiming it could bring prostitution back to the area and cause excessive noise.

But owner Sanjay Raval later won his battle on appeal and turned the club into a popular venue.

Speaking about the closure, he said: “The main reason I’m pulling out is due to health reasons. I have serious health issues coming up and on that basis I need to slow down and calm down.

“I’m very sad to be giving it up. It has been a big part of my life and now I have the health problems and I’m paying the price for it, but it has been a lot of fun. I have thoroughly enjoyed it.“

He said his highlights were: “Meeting celebs like Mark Wright and Jodie Marsh and the phenomenal atmosphere. When we first opened we had a rocky road, but we turned it into a successful club.

“We have had a lot of messages of support since announcing the news. It is nice to know how much strong support we have from people.”

The club will mark its closure with a “party to end all parties”.

“We’re inviting every DJ, celebrity and customer who has ever been here to come along for one big send off,” added Mr Raval. “It will be a good night.”

Doors will open at 9pm on Saturday and it will close at 4am.

It is not yet known when the club will re-open under new ownership.