A nightclub bar known for its local DJs and live music events is closing down after 12 years in a Norfolk town.

The operators of The Metro, in Dereham, announced its closure saying it had become a struggle to "balance the books and keep things together".

The Quebec Street club, in a cellar bar in the Old Corn Exchange, is one of the only night time venues of its kind in the region, outside of larger urban areas like Norwich and King's Lynn. 

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Kurt Oliver, owner of The Metro, said: "Sadly, Covid hit, everything started to add up, and the footfall wasn't there anymore."

Eastern Daily Press: A family have said they want their lives back after a post-Covid struggle running their business in DerehamA family have said they want their lives back after a post-Covid struggle running their business in Dereham (Image: The Metro)

Opting out of the building lease and returning the site to the property owners, Mr Oliver said: "I'm hoping it will stay as a nightclub, It's been our baby for 12 years, we've put out heart and soul into it."

"It was the place to go, we turned it into what we thought the town needed, which was a proper night club.

Eastern Daily Press: The Metro nightclub is based in a cellar bar in the Old Corn Exchange in the townThe Metro nightclub is based in a cellar bar in the Old Corn Exchange in the town (Image: The Metro)

"We loved seeing people enjoy themselves and providing a facility that people could go and enjoy themselves in.

"But the night time economy is dying in west Norfolk. It's the second venue to close in the last few months.

"People's drinking habits have changed. They're more concerned about money.

Eastern Daily Press: The nightclub is reportedly one of the only night-time venues of its kind in the area, outside of Norwich and King's LynnThe nightclub is reportedly one of the only night-time venues of its kind in the area, outside of Norwich and King's Lynn (Image: The Metro)

"We sat down and admitted it wasn't making a profit anymore, it was just making losses. We made the final decision a few days ago.

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"It's hard to say goodbye to those staff that have worked really hard for us - it's bittersweet."

"It's not just the operational time that costs us, but the 60-odd hour work that goes on behind the scenes.

Mr Oliver added: "People's comments from the local community have been incredibly supportive, they're shocked and upset but they understand, it's a hard industry to work in."