A POLICE boss has slammed a nightclub owner's "desire to make money at any cost" as the venue was closed for good last night.

There were tears of relief as Lewes District Council’s planning and licensing committee revoked the licence of The Trek nightclub in Seaford.

It follows several violent incidents in recent months including a mass brawl, a bouncer almost losing his sight after an assault and multiple incidents of grievous bodily harm.

Jean Irving, head of licensing for Sussex Police, said: "In the 13 years I have held my post I have never experienced such denial by a premises owner, such disregard for residents and such desire to make money at any cost."

However, club owner Yvonne Newton-Turner, who did not attend last night's meeting, has said police have not supported her and didn't give her a chance to defend her establishment.

At the meeting it was revealed police have paid the businesswoman more than £10,000 after twice closing her premises in error.

She was paid the compensation after officers closed the club early in both 2006 and 2007.

It is understood the two early closures were not to do with crime and disorder and instead a mistake made by officers regarding the changing of the clocks.

The licensing chief said the mistake was made "before we were quite as professional as we should have been" adding "it doesn't have any bearing on this case".

The first compensation payout was in 2006 for £2,500 with a further £8,700 in March 2007.

Giving evidence at the meeting, the police's head of licensing said: "The residents were at the end of their tether, they didn't know what to do.

"I see no evidence the owners have sought to prevent public disorder or public nuisance or to protect public safety."

Steve Bell, who spoke at the meeting on behalf of Maria Caulfield, MP for Lewes, said: "People have started to despair. Since the suspension of the licence we have received an absolute flood of letters saying thank you."

As previously reported, the club had its licence temporarily suspended in September following a number of violent incidents.

Mrs Newton-Turner has criticised the police for a lack of support.

She previously told The Argus: “My name is completely ruined now. I've been running clubs all my life. I've no belief anymore that this is a fair system. I was looking to work with the police but they were working against me. I've retired now, I decided I wouldn't have any hope of keeping it open."

She also voiced her disappointment at what she described as "more than a blunder" by Ms Caulfield MP's office. A letter intended for aggrieved residents was addressed and delivered to her husband.

It said: "I am delighted to hear the venue's licence has been suspended and wanted to personally pass on this development to you."

A spokesman for the MP denied the delivery was made in error saying it was an “open letter”.