Watford has reacted with near-unanimous joy at the announcement that Pryzm signed a lease extension after facing the threat of closure.

The town’s nightlife was perceived to be under threat after it appeared certain the 2,500-capacity club would be forced to vacate the building even if a plan for 147 homes was rejected.

Clubbers and former clubbers alike spoke about their “great memories” of going down after work and some welcomed the “fantastic news” by trying to organise a visit.

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Others decided their clubbing days were behind them but a comment saying “the kids deserve a nightclub like we had” seemed to sum up the attitude of many with fond memories of Bailey’s and Paradise Lost.

Vibe 107.6 FM founder Matt Cadman said: “Excellent news. It would have been a great shame to lose such an iconic venue.

“I remember some great nights DJing there.”

Watford Observer: Matt Cadman, who now DJs at Bonds Bar in LondonMatt Cadman, who now DJs at Bonds Bar in London (Image: Matt Cadman)

In May, the Watford Observer reported that the town’s taxi drivers described the prospect of closure as the “final nail in coffin” that would sink the local industry.

Qamar Riaz said: “Taxi drivers have for decades relied upon this nightclub to earn a livelihood. Had this nightclub closed it would have had a devastating impact on all night-time economy.”

Watford Hackney Carriage Drivers Association chairman, Zaheer Ahmed, said: “It’s really good for us and for the trade to keep the nightclub going.

“In hard times we need all the help we can get.”

The club's manager Dave Vickery said: “I am obviously thrilled.

“Pryzm is so much more than a nightclub. It is the heartbeat of Watford.”

Watford Observer: Watford Junction taxi rankWatford Junction taxi rank

Watford Business Improvement District, which had described the potential closure as “devastating”, was “absolutely delighted” adding the club is “an essential piece of our night-time economy”.

Watford mayor Peter Taylor highlighted how restaurants, pubs, clubs, and bars will also benefit from the knock-on effect.

“I’m glad that people will be able to continue to create fond memories in the town centre.”

Watford Observer: Simon Jacobs/Watford Borough CouncilSimon Jacobs/Watford Borough Council (Image: Simon Jacobs/Watford Liberal Democrats)

Watford MP Dean Russell said: “It is too easy to be dismissive of the cultural and economic value that nightclubs such as Pryzm Watford bring to a thriving town.

“There is a danger that our town centres are going to become ghost towns, which is no good for anyone.”