A DARWEN businessman has insisted that despite the town’s ‘booming’ nightlife, it must now be careful not to go too far.

Leon Kelly, owner of Level One Live and its sister nightclub, said that there was now something for everyone in Darwen but having any more night venues could be dangerous.

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It comes after Cllr Phil Riley, Blackburn with Darwen Council’s executive member for regeneration, compared the town to the likes of Manchester and Liverpool for its nightlife.

Mr Kelly said that he thinks the town is in a very good place with nightlife, but if too many more venues come in it could be spoilt.

He said: “I think the town is now at a tipping point in terms of nightlife.

“By that I mean that there is something for everyone in Darwen but I think that if any more venues come in then it is going to turn into survival of the fittest.

“Too many people are going to be competing with each other and we don’t want that because there’s a lot of owners who have put their life savings into their businesses.

“I would always support anyone who wants to set up a bar or a club or a restaurant but in Darwen I really think there is enough of all of that now.

“If you want real ale, you can go to Number 39, if you want live music, you can come to Level One Live, if you want sport there’s The Bridgewater, if you want cocktails there’s H20.

“Darwen has to be careful now not to go over the edge, we have a wonderful town that has a booming nightlife and we shouldn’t spoil that.”

Level One Live has seen much success since it opened in The Green earlier this year with most events such as quiz and jam nights being described as ‘packed’ by Mr Kelly.

In the past couple of years Darwen has seen many new venues pop up in the streets such as Level One Live, Essence, Esco Bar, The Old Chapel Wetherspoons and H20 bar.

Businessman Andrew Shorrock has also just opened a gin and tonic bar called Cin Cin behind The Bridgewater in Church Street.

Cllr John Roberts, chairman of the Darwen Town Centre Partnership Board, said: “The nightlife of Darwen has been an important part of its economy for the part 12 months and it’s definitely the place to go in East Lancashire now.”