LICENSING bosses have shut down a working men’s club in the first action of its kind in Kirklees.

New Oakes WMC, on Wellington Street, Oakes, has had its club premises certificate revoked under a section of the Licensing Act that has never been used before.

Sgt John McFadzean, licensing officer for Kirklees, said there had been a number of complaints about non-members using the club and also about noise nuisance.

He said: “We visited the premises and were told they had run into financial difficulties and the committee had resigned.

“But it was still being run as a club, outside the terms of the licence.”

A sign has been put up at the club telling regulars it will be closed “till further notice.”

Sgt McFadzean said police wanted to work with pubs and clubs to deal with potential problems before taking action.

He added: “We would rather have a chat and address the issues than shut places down, but we will take whatever action is necessary if there are problems.”

No club officials could be contacted for comment.