More than 200 people have signed a petition to stop Sidmouth’s only nightclub being ‘shut down’ and converted into an eatery, warning it would hit youngsters the hardest.

Sidmouth Herald: Philip Clode has launched a petition against the potential closure of Carinas, Sidmouth's only nightclubPhilip Clode has launched a petition against the potential closure of Carinas, Sidmouth's only nightclub (Image: Archant)

After revealing it could become a cafe or a restaurant, owner Residential Trust Ltd gave reassurances it has ‘no immediate plans’ to close Carinas or change its trading style - but regular reveller Philip Clode is ‘100 per cent convinced’ it will go ahead without strong support for the venue.

Backers of an online petition, young and old, argued Sidmouth does not need another café or restaurant, said many generations had spent their youth there and drew comparisons to the loss of The Grove nightclub in Seaton.

Philip, 19, said: “If [Carinas] were to close, I know a huge number of people that would miss out on many great nights out and memories to be made.

“I also know a lot of people who have memories from previous nights out, including my mother and father, who have lived in this town for many years and spent many a night at Carinas.

“The biggest problem, if plans were to go ahead, is that the younger generation will have to spend a lot more money to travel to further places, such as Exeter, for a Friday night dance, which they could have enjoyed in their own town without paying £30 for a taxi home.

“Sidmouth needs a nightclub and Carinas is all we have. I feel strongly when I say we need to do all we can to save this fabulous nightclub.”

The town council’s planning committee last week supported an initial application to convert the nightclub into a café or restaurant, but echoed concerns about the impact on Sidmouth’s youngsters.

Residential Trust Ltd director George Eccles said there were no immediate plans to close Carinas or change its trading style, but his company was exploring options for the site in response to changes in the leisure industry.

He said the directors did not have a timescale in mind for when the changes would be made, if they were approved.

The petition can be found at www.change.org/p/stop-carinas-shutting-down. It will be delivered to Residential Trust Ltd.