THE embattled owners of Club One9Five have launched a determined fightback to re-open their nightspot after the council dramatically shut it down last month.

The venue, in Cottis Lane, off Epping High Street, has been shut for more than a month following a mass brawl outside its premises on Saturday, September 26, in which eight people were stabbed and dozens more were injured.

But now its owners have hit back against the enforced closure, which is costing them an estimated £25,000 a week.

On Monday a formal appeal against the revocation of its licence was handed in to Essex magistrates.

The club’s lawyer has also told the Guardian that the venue was considering applying for a new licence, which could see One9Five renovated and transformed into a new venue altogether in an attempt to ensure it is back up and running as soon as possible.

Despite harsh criticism from both the council and the police, management at the club still insist the trouble on the night did not stem from their venue, and have pledged to do whatever it takes to ensure such incidents never happen again.

Owner Scott Cummings has said he is willing to start using metal detector 'wands' on every person wanting to enter the club, and would even consider installing permanent knife arches in a bid to prevent trouble.

The club's lawyer David Dadds said: “There has been a serious incident and no-one denies that, and lessons do have to be learnt.

“But at the end of the day there's still a lot of information out there about what happened on that night that still hasn't been made public.”

Robert Born, a representative of residents living close to the club, in Buttercross Lane, said neighbours dreaded the prospect of the club opening its doors once again.

He said: “Since it closed I've been able to have my first uninterrupted night's sleep on a Saturday for a long time.

“I am very against it reopening. I appreciate the kids in Epping need somewhere to go, but I don't think all of east London's kids need to be here too.

"If there was a club that was properly organised, safe, and that was not open so late and let in only 100 or so people then perhaps that would be reasonable.

"But Epping can't cope with a place like One9Five. Epping is a better place with it closed.”

A date and location for the appeal hearing has yet to be set.