DURHAM City MP Roberta Blackman-Woods has spoken of her anger that a nightclub reopened around two weeks after a student died on its doorstep.

Ms Blackman-Woods said she was outraged at the decision to reopen Missoula nightclub, in Durham, following the death of Olivia Burt last month.

The 20-year-old suffered fatal head injuries in an incident outside the club on Wednesday, February 7 and was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

Her funeral, in Hampshire, is on Monday.

A joint investigation into her death by Durham County Council and the police is ongoing.

Ms Blackman-Woods said it was unwise and disrespectful of nightclub bosses to open the bar and promote events that go on until 2am before the investigation has been completed.

She said a number of students have said that they felt unsafe in the Walkergate complex, where the bar is situated.

She said: “I am outraged to learn that Missoula is open again just a matter of weeks after Olivia’s tragic death in Durham.

"Missoula’s website and Facebook page are still advertising parties and drinks offers, so it appears that despite this tragedy happening right on their doorstep, nothing has changed.

"It is important that the police and the local authority are thorough in examining the causes of Olivia’s death, and it seems very unwise to reopen this establishment before the investigations have concluded.

"There is a real concern amongst residents, including many students, about having so many people in the Walkergate complex late into the night, especially as investigations are likely to identify safety concerns within the Walkergate complex, and the need to adopt measures to address them.

"For Missoula to reopen so soon is not only potentially putting more people in danger, but is incredibly disrespectful to everyone affected by this awful tragedy."

She has written to the chairman of Durham County Council's licensing committee calling for action to close the premises as soon as possible.

The Northern Echo contacted Stonegate pub chain, which owns the venue, but nobody was available to comment tonight.