Eight people were arrested when disturbances broke out at the opening of a revamped nightclub.

Officers were called to the East Club and Persia lounge and restaurant in Railway Approach, Worthing.

Coun Tom Wye, council adviser on antisocial behaviour, out on patrol with the police, said the town centre resembled a battlefield.

Now the Chapman Group, which runs the club, formerly called XS, has been ordered to get its house in order as police warned they will not tolerate drunken disorder.

Richard Pipe, operations director for the Chapman Group, said: "It was hardly chaos. There were one or two minor problems outside with a few individuals. That's unfortunate and very regrettable."

Mike Webb, Worthing's licensing officer, said there were a number of incidents from 12.45am. He said: "The management got it wrong. I do not think they were sufficiently well prepared."

Mr Webb said the police decided not to invoke powers under the Licensing Act to close East on the night, or about 800 people would have spilled into the streets at the same time.

Police said many of those arrested were dealt with by way of £80 fixed penalty notices for drunkenness.

Mr Pipe said: "I think there was an element in the town that wanted to misbehave and they did."

Coun Wye said: "We have just got to stop the binge drinking. It is as simple as that."