THE Club in Cricklade has been saved from developers and will be re-opening for business.

It was sold and closed last month after long term steward Sue Loder, who had run it for nearly 20 years, was given notice to quit.

But the building in the high street has been bought by local couple Talia and Simon Maddison who run Planet Pursuits and they will be opening it as an event venue.

“I saw it and I thought: ‘That’s an amazing venue,’” said Talia, who also runs her own catering company, The Cotswold Cooks.

“We didn’t even know it was for sale.”

In fact they were told it had been on the market for two years.

The asking price was £325,000 but a quick call to the estate agents revealed two other offers had been put in and both were from developers. They put in their offer and waited to hear whether it had been accepted.

“It was really tense,” said Talia. Finally it was theirs.

Now they are redecorating and revamping the building so it can be back in action by June.

The plan is to operate it as a venue for events like wedding and birthday parties.

Talia often caters for weddings and has been on the lookout for a venue for brides “who just want a damn good wedding that isn’t really expensive and is fun.

“We already have wedding bookings and that’s a good thing.”

But she is also considering whether it come also become a bar and café.

“We’re hoping it is going to be really buzzing,” she said.

“It is right in the centre of Cricklade and it could become a real hub for things like exercises classes and salsa dancing. It is a brilliant space.”

She has already spoken to Cricklade Festival organisers.

“With my catering background I would love to be doing some amazing cooking there,” said Talia, who has catered high profile events for people like Arsenal Football Club, the film crew behind Made in Chelsea and TV presenter Kevin McCloud.

The club closed its doors at the end of January following a final evening of revelry and there were fears the popular hub of the town’s social life would be shut for good.

“Sue was a bit of a national treasure for Cricklade, said Talia.

“It was a difficult position to be in, but she has been brilliant with us. She has come and chatted to us and she’s been really helpful.”