HOMEOWNERS have vowed to fight on in their battle to stop a lap-dancing club in Durham.
South Tyneside-based Vimac Leisure has appealed to the High Court over a decision by magistrates to block its application for a lap-dancing licence for The Loft club in North Road Durham.
People living close to the club have now submitted their evidence against the plans and have vowed to “fight until we reach the final tape” – even though they could face a massive legal bill if they lose.
Teacher Kirsty Thomas joined Durham residents Desmond and Ann Evans last year to persuade magistrates that a lap-dancing club was inappropriate to the city.
Mrs Thomas said a High Court ruling on the Vimac Leisure appeal could have implications for lap- dancing clubs across Britain.
She said: “Durham was the first case where residents successfully opposed a licence, yet the 2003 Licensing Act was supposed to consider the wishes of the public.
“It was obvious that large numbers of people in Durham City and surrounding villages did not want that sort of establishment in North Road.
“We have submitted our arguments to the High Court, which will decide whether they think Vimac has any grounds for appeal.”
Durham City Council’s licensing committee initially granted Vimac a licence last August but residents, supported by Durham MP Roberta Blackman-Woods, successfully appealed against the decision.
Dr Blackman-Woods said: “The court found that the city council’s judgment breached three out of four licensing objectives including preventing crime and disorder, protecting children from harm and prevention of public nuisance.”
Ms Thomas said: “The city council should have had the courage of their convictions, instead of shedding their responsibilities by leaving it to residents to take on the might of Vimac Leisure and face potentially crippling legal costs.”
Last month Dr Blackman-Woods secured a pledge that ministers would take a fresh look at regulating lap-dancing clubs after highlighting concerns in a Parliamentary debate.
She believes lap-dancing clubs should be subject to legislation relating to sex shops rather than licensing laws, which also cover pubs and clubs.
