ANY application for a new nightclub in Bournemouth is bound to attract controversy.

But the proposal to merge two existing premises into one “superclub” is in a different league from most.

This application involves V, which is in the former St Andrew’s Church building, and the Viper Lounge in the former church hall.

Nightclubs already dominate the Old Christchurch Road end of town, but this club would be just off the Square. It’s an area which people who have come into town for a host of reasons pass through to reach restaurants, car parks, bus stops and taxis.

In fairness to the applicants, one industry figure says it would attract devotees of a different kind of clubbing, more preoccupied with the music than with downing as much alcohol as possible.

But the councillors who make this decision will be carrying a heavy responsibility indeed.