Lap dancing club could launch at nightspot

A new lap dancing club is set to open at a landmark nightspot in Stourbridge – sparking complaints that it could "demean" the area.

It would be located on the first floor of the Stourbridge Academy nightclub.

It comes two years after a lap dancing club under different management closed at the same site after a week following complaints.

But owner Roger Bishton insists this club will be "discreet" and says he still has "big plans" for the venue, formerly The Picture House.

He recently opened a new cabaret room on the second floor for live acts and also hopes to invite former England footballers along to Euro 2012 events during the summer. The lap dancing venue will not be advertised outside and he insists the plans have not attracted any formal objections so far.

But ward councillor Nicolas Barlow said: "It is very disappointing and it would demean the area.

"I think the general consensus around Stourbridge and the surrounding area is that we do not want this type of establishment here."

Mr Bishton said the application had been advertised properly and there had been no objections.

"There is nothing underhand or seedy about this," he said.

The plans will go before Dudley's licensing committee on February 7.