A nightclub at at the end of a town's pier and troubled by a string of police incidents is to be temporarily closed to try to sort out its problems.

The Pier Nightclub, in Worthing, has been recommended to have its premises licence suspended by councillors.

The two-week suspension period, which is due to begin at on January 21, follows allegations that door staff beat up clubgoers and that the club management deliberately obstructed the investigations into the violence.

A report due before Worthing's licensing committee on December 2 details a series of events from February 26 last year in which police have been involved.

It also highlights worrying tales of youngsters who have been turned away from under-age discos at the club on the pier and have then tried to get in by scaling the structure from the beach.

On at least one occasion a youngster has fallen from the pier.

Club owner Tony Maio's solicitors said the businessman would work with the police to tackle the bad reputation the club had gained.