POLICE could ask for a popular Northwich nightspot to be closed indefinitely after its owner and an employee were arrested in connection with a brutal assault.

Madisons, on High Street, has been shut since 55-year-old Frank Pemberton was attacked outside in the early hours of Saturday, April 25.

After a meeting with licensee John Bates, of Priory Avenue, Northwich, on Thursday, council licensing chiefs ordered the premises remain closed ‘for the next few weeks at least’.

It is understood police will ask for the bar and eaterie to have its licence revoked when a review is held at the end of the month – meaning the venue could be shut down for good.

Cheshire Constabulary spokeswoman Shelley Williams said: “At a Cheshire West and Chester Council licensing committee meeting, the decision has been made to support police recommendations (to close it).

“The premises licence has been suspended at Madisons. A full review hearing will be heard in due course.”

Mr Pemberton, the steward of the RAOB (Buffs) Club on Witton Street, is still in hospital with serious head injuries after he was allegedly hit with a spade.

But his condition is improving. He is now breathing without the help of a ventilator and his injuries are no longer considered life-threatening.

Doorman Mark Igoe, 33, of Milton Grove, Warrington, has been remanded in custody in connection with the incident. He will appear at Chester Crown Court on Tuesday, May 12, charged with two counts of wounding with intent to commit GBH.

Madisons owner Mr Bates, 41, a former firefighter, was arrested on suspicion of assault and is on bail until May 16.

Insp Paul Loughlin, head of Northwich police, told the Chronicle he has increased patrols in the town centre as a consequence of the Madisons fracas, an incident he described as ‘unusual for Northwich’.