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A leading councillor last night (Thursday) defended the Town Hall’s controversial decision to close down world-famous nightclub Fabric.

Responding to a question from opposition Green councillor Caroline Russell, Cllr Kaya Comer-Schwartz, executive member for community development, told a meeting of the full council: “The night-time economy in Islington is an important part of what makes this city one of the best in the world.

“But the council has a responsibility in law to ensure that licence-holders act in accordance with their licence conditions, particularly where serious crime is concerned.”

It has also emerged that the decision to close the Farringdon venue was not unanimous. Three councillors revoked the club’s licence after a six-hour licensing meeting last Tuesday. The Metropolitan Police called for the review after two 18-year-old boys died after taking ecstasy in the club over the summer.

Islington Council had previously told the Tribune that details of the decision-making are not disclosed. But Cllr Asima Shaikh, the council’s executive member for economic development, has revealed on social media that she and committee chairman Cllr Flora Williamson, as well as Cllr Gary Poole, were not in agreement.

Responding to Fabric supporters questioning her on Twitter, she wrote: “It was not a unanimous decision, am sad, but will continue to fight for a vibrant night time economy.”

Cllr Shaikh has not replied to the Tribune’s request to comment on her posts.

This week Fabric co-founder Cameron Leslie renewed his vow to fight the council’s decision. “We are determined to fight the council’s dec­ision and challenge the way that the police brought this review against us,” he said in a statement.

More details are expected to be released in the next few days. Fabric is expected to launch a fundraising campaign to raise cash to overturn the council’s decision in the magistrates court.