Time called on unique cabaret club

THE smoking ban and the downturn in the economy have forced a Grimsby Club to close its doors.

Secrets, known previously as La Rue's and The IT Club, on Cleethorpe Road, has shut.

Jennifer Parker, the owner of the cabaret bar, said she was sad to see the only venue for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transvestite (LGBT) community shut its doors.

She said: "I would like to thank everyone who has supported us.

"Sadly, I think more people have chosen to stay indoors rather than head out over the weekends.

"For us, the final nail in the coffin was the smoking ban. Because of where we were it meant people had no choice but to go out on the street.

"However, people wanted their privacy so that was not practical."

Jennifer has run the club for the last three years.

She was an existing member of staff who took over after the previous owners, Smallwood Leisure, decided to leave.

"We have had three good years, but it's a shame we have had to close before Christmas," she added.

No one has lost their job as a result of the closure, other than herself and the resident DJ, Chaz, as she had to let staff go throughout the year.

As the only venue of its kind in the Grimsby area, Jennifer said it played a key part in the community.

"It was quite important to a lot of people, not just the LGBT community, but also a wide range of people who enjoyed coming here for a good night out," she said.

However there is hope.

Jennifer, said there were "exciting" talks to secure a new venue for the LGBT community, although at the time of going to press, further details could not be released.

Keep checking your Grimsby Telegraph for more news as it is announced.