THE former owner of Johnny’s is trying to block the club reopening.

Joe Marsden ran the legendary Huddersfield nightspot for 34 years.

But now the businessman wants Kirklees Council to stop the Beast Market venue being granted a permanent licence months after six people were stabbed in a mass brawl when it was previously known as Mansion.

Static, which currently operates under temporary licences, has already staged a number of high-profile one-off launch nights.

But Mr Marsden, who now runs Huddersfield Central Lodge Hotel 50 yards away, said: “In the past the short lane from Beast Market to the frontage of our premises has been associated with drug dealing and drug taking, sexual acts and fights.’’

Mr Marsden told the council that the club had damaged business at his 22-bedroom hotel.

He said: “We had many complaints from our residents who chose not to stay again when visiting Huddersfield due to the noise and also the lewd acts and violence which they witnessed from some of the bedrooms.”

Mr Marsden has written to the council’s Licensing Panel objecting to proposals for the club to reopen under the name Static. Applicant Wavestyle Ltd has asked Kirklees for permission to sell alcohol until 4am seven days a week.

Mr Marsden and his brother, Johnny, ran the club from 1969 to 2003. It has had several name changes in the last seven years.

On New Year’s Eve six people were stabbed in a mass brawl at the club – then known as Mansion. Police closed the club, a decision later backed by Kirklees.

Paul Clarke, who owns the club as well as neighbouring pub the Boy and Barrel and the Huddersfield Hotel, has been given several one-off licences to reopen the club since the stabbings.

Internationally-renowned DJ Judge Jules played at the launch night for the renamed Static on March 31 and he was followed up by superstar world class DJs Jonathan Ulysses – resident at Space in Ibiza – and Kiss Da Funk head honcho Rob Tissera.

And now Mr Clarke’s company, Wavestyle Ltd, has applied for a permanent licence.

Mr Clarke has written to Mr Marsden assuring him that Static would be well-run.

He said: “A vigorous search policy and a zero tolerance drugs policy will be strictly enforced.

“All patrons will leave the club via the Southgate exit and a marshal at the end of the private road will make sure no-one ventures towards your premises.”

Mr Clarke added: “The club will never hold an R&B, soul, reggae or any other type of urban music night.”

The council’s Licensing Panel will rule on the application on Tuesday.