ONE of the town’s most well-known night venues has closed down yet again – barely 12 months after undergoing a major refurbishment.

Last November Pop, which was formerly known as Bushwackers, was given a makeover after a it was taken on by a new owner.

However, the Fleet Street club, one of the biggest in Swindon, is now boarded up and shows no sign of re-opening soon.

While the exact reason for the closure remains unknown, but it is understood that there was not the demand to sustain the club.

Steven Wilson took over the lease of the building and promised to make sure it was a venue which would be for everyone, saying that he hoped it would help to transform that end of the town.

There was a major refurbishment to smarten the inside of the nightclub, with an emphasis on creating a lively atmosphere.

Speaking at the time of the refurbishment, he said: “I am looking to give the people of Swindon a fun, exciting and safe clubbing experience.

“It will be a completely different look and I think everyone will like what they see.

“I have been around Swindon, especially Old Town, and I think we can attract people from all over the town.

“Pop will be for everyone.

“Nightclubs have been neglected a bit in Swindon but we will change this and breathe new life into the town centre.

“When we first open there will be between ten and 20 new positions and hopefully an extra ten early next year as the business grows.”

Despite a good deal of money being put into the site, it has been a troubled few years for the once popular club.

Bushwackers opened in 2009 following a major £1.5 million refurbishment of the former O’Neils and Reflex venue.

For a number of years it would regularly be full, even on weeknights, especially after the previous owner signed a deal with ITV talent show The X Factor to have contestants perform once they had been kicked off the show.

However, the venue started to struggle so Steven, a DJ, took over hoping that his experience and contacts would help to revive the club’s fortunes.

But despite a promising start to life as Pop, the venue struggled to bring in enough customers on a regular basis.

It is the latest blow for the town centre night time economy following the closure of the Brunel Rooms in early 2014.

After being shut for six years, the once-iconic club was re-opened in April 2013 and managed to attract some big name performers.

Despite popularity among revellers the club struggled financially and closed amid reports of staff not being paid wages.

Councillors have spoken in the past about wanting to revive the area but Old Town is where many now go on a night out.