A FUN bar in Bournemouth has closed its doors without warning as the credit crunch continues to bite.

Jumpin Jaks, also a live entertainment and party venue, ceased trading at the town’s Waterfront Complex last weekend.

Telephone callers have since been greeted with a recorded message, which says: “Unfortunately this venue has ceased trading now. For all the local residents of Bournemouth, thank you very much for the wonderful ten years serving you – take care and we will see you around town very soon.”

A spokeswoman for the company said the Bournemouth venue is the only one of 25 bars around the UK to close “so far”.

She added: “I don’t know the exact reasons behind it but we are looking at coming back to Bournemouth in the future.”

Jumpin Jaks formed part of the controversial £20million Waterfront complex on the former Pier Approach baths site, which provoked fury among local people and visitors and was even given the title of “Britain’s ugliest building.”

Critics said the building destroyed views across the bay and numerous campaigns were launched to have it knocked down.

The building currently houses the empty Imax cinema, as well as a KFC, Red Panda Chinese restaurant and the Harbour Lights pub with Wacky Warehouse.

When it first opened there was also an Exchange Bar and Grill.

The leaseholders of the building, Nilgos (Northern Ireland Government Officers Superannuation committee) were not available for comment.