by Katie Alston

kalston@thekmgroup.co.uk

Rumours that a nightclub is to open in Tankerton have been rubbished by its owners.

An alcohol and events licensing application submitted by Kelly and Erinch Kalfa for the former Valente’s ice cream parlour in St Anne’s Road prompted concern among residents that it was to re-open as a lively nightspot.

The couple say all they hoped to do was turn the building, which has been in Kelly’s family for at least a decade, into a family-friendly restaurant with cabaret-style evening entertainment once or twice a week.

As a result of the rumours, the couple feel they have been forced to shelve their vision and change the type of licence they are applying for.

They are now asking permission to be open from 10am to 11pm Sunday to Thursday, and from 10am to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, and to be able to sell alcohol.

They are also hoping in the future to be able to stage comedy, psychics and magic under a temporary licence 15 times a year. Kelly, 38, and Erinch, 35, hope to open the restaurant as The Lounge next week and will employ around 12 people.

They say the rumour mill has gone into overdrive and they have put up a notice in the window of the premises denying any plans to open as a nightclub-type venue and inviting people to speak to them about any concerns.

Kelly, who is nine months pregnant, said: “Letters and a petition have been circulated around the area saying we are opening a nightclub.

“We live above the restaurant with our three-year-old and have a baby on the way. The last thing we would want is to turn it into that.

“We have been very upset by the reaction we’ve had. We just want to earn a living and do the best for our family.

“It is going to be a classy venue and things have been blown out of proportion.

“We have put our heart and soul into the business and are really excited to open.

“We just want to be part of the community.”