??/??/?? - Raquels reopens - with a new name
REPORT BY JIM HENDERSON

RAQUELS nightclub, which became notorious after the death of Leah Betts, may reopen as a prestigious new nightspot before Christmas.

Licensing magistrates have already approved a drinks licence, and the owner European Leisure is planning a massive £600,000 overhaul of the nightspot - to be renamed Club Uropa. Planning applications for the overhaul, including a revamp of the outside, a new porch and sign are expected to be considered in the next two weeks.

Raquels closed down earlier this year when its entertainment licence was due to be considered by Basildon Council - but the club owners have always denied that the Ecstasy tablet that killed Leah Betts was bought on the premises.

Operations director of European Leisure. Colin Ball, said: "The new club will appeal to the 18 to 30 age group and we aim to make it one of the top nightspots of the area. "This venue will be given a massive new lease of life and we will be able to forget the smears about drugs which unjustly surround Raquels. "We want to look to the future of the town and provide good clean entertainment for the young people of the area."

European Leisure claims the revamp of the club is partly in response to new Government rules on air conditioning and heating.