There’s a perception that development is ripping the heart and soul out of Watford - and one of the town’s most popular venues could be next to face the wrecking ball.

Losing Pryzm nightclub might be welcomed by some but its status within the younger generation cannot be understated.

Read more: Pryzm at risk of CLOSING after proposal for homes at nightclub site

With many young people priced out of London, Watford is seen as the next best place to go to and the Pryzm site has been entertaining visitors for decades.

Is shutting it down and turning it into homes really what Watford needs?

We’ve seen in recent years a focus on bringing leisure to the town centre in a bid to entice footfall and there’s no doubt Pryzm is the catalyst for a thriving nighttime economy.

Revellers at PRYZM nightclub, Watford

Revellers at PRYZM nightclub, Watford

For many people a club is the end of and focus of a night out - but not before drinks in a nearby pub or bar or maybe even a meal.

Before online shopping ended the reign of the department stores, having an 'anchor store' such as John Lewis or a Debenhams was seen as key to the pulling power of any shopping centre and the survival of many smaller businesses.

You’d have to wonder what impact losing Pryzm would have on the rest of the bars and clubs at this end of town that many tend to visit before venturing to Pryzm.

As Pryzm have said, the owners of the buildings are entitled to explore options, but they have asked whether people would be “concerned” to lose the club.

If you are concerned, and believe the town needs a thriving nightlife, then taking part in the consultation is crucial.