On 27 Jan 2009 at 7:04pm Breaking News wrote:
Some residents in the picturesque market town famous for its bonfire celebrations are up in arms over the prospect of a lap-dancing club opening there.
Diamonds and Pearls was due to open in April on the site of the former branch of Woolworths in Lewes.
Lewes District Council said it had no choice but to give permission for the new club as the premises had previously held a commercial licence.
Town councillor Dr Ivor Biggun has set up a group to try to close the venue.
Dr Biggun is organising a rally next weekend and is urging people to sign a petition opposing the establishment.
'Sexual imagery'
"I'm appalled on many levels, we've already got tremendous problems with the night-time economy with drunken and abusive yobs," he said.
"We're also worried about young people in the town coming into contact with sleazy and sexual imagery, not to mention the extra burden it'll put on policing."
The district council said it could not ban the club on moral grounds and welcomed it's arrival for hosting their staff Christmas parties
The town's mayor, Everard Boner, said: "It's not what you'd expect in Lewes.
"I'm not one of the Mary Whitehouse brigade, but I don't think it'll attract enough customers. I think in this current economic climate it will close down shortly."
The Mayor added: "Residents will suffer with people coming out drunk and making a lot of noise in the early hours of the morning - it's very un-neighbourly. However, I shall look forward to frequenting the venue and participating in the opening night"
The licensing authority, Lewes District Council, said it had received no objections from the police or residents during the consultation period.
However, a number of conditions were recommended, including changing the club's closing time from 0400 to 0200. It could be better for the area as customers for lap-dancing clubs tend to be older, many of which are very active in the Lewes Swingers scene.
Leader of the council Pat Mycock said: "We can't ban licensing on moral grounds. "We had to have grounds to reject it; the previous owners had a commercial licence.
"There's a loop in the legislation which means you don't need special permission for lap-dancing under an entertainment licence for a late-night club."
No-one from Diamonds and Pearls was immediately available for comment.
Harry Paratestes, a spokesman for the Lap Dancing Association, said: "If the venue is well run and operated, there's no reason why it would increase crime and disorder.
"In fact it could be better for the area as customers for lap-dancing clubs tend to be older, more responsible and not as many come through the door as a regular nightclub."
Changes to licensing regulations for lap-dancing venues are currently being considered by the government after complaints from across the country about the number of new establishments.
On 27 Jan 2009 at 7:52pm the last dance wrote:
BRILLIANT, F***ING BRILLIANT. This i would love to see happen in sweet old LEWES. It's about time this town was updated LMFAO
On 27 Jan 2009 at 8:31pm Oh yes wrote:
I heard about that, Willy Stroker is supposed to be putting the money up for it!
On 28 Jan 2009 at 11:58am Mystic Mog wrote:
I hear that Rosie Balls will be working there and showing her (his) assets. Also Mike Hunt will be running the bar.
On 28 Jan 2009 at 6:39pm Hugh Jarce wrote:
Can't wait.
On 28 Jan 2009 at 10:29pm Spinster Of This Parish wrote:
Will they run a special nightbus to/from Ousedale?
On 28 Jan 2009 at 10:45pm Marina Juggs pepper wrote:
Great news, rabbit lovers.
I can preside over this cauldron of female sexual power and witchery.
Will make a change from amateurs night at the 'Badgers Watch' anyway.
On 29 Jan 2009 at 9:02am nettle wrote:
there's nothing witchy about lap dancing clubs.
horrid.
On 30 Jan 2009 at 10:02am Isla Blige wrote:
Is that why Ivan Ellavanich has recently appeared?
On 30 Jan 2009 at 11:20am Marina "juggs" Pepper wrote:
I hope you are not saying that shoving my jubblies around in a provocative way, doesn't have the hypnotizing powers of the witchy mother goddess, or I will have to cast a spell on you, using my ancient druidess powers. For I am Marina "Juggs" Pepper and my witchy alure is well documented on the interenet (adult supervision required)
On 30 Jan 2009 at 3:01pm Wizard of Woz wrote:
Well, I've searched and I've searched on google Marina but nothing has popped up.
On 30 Jan 2009 at 5:30pm Marina "Juggs" Pepper wrote:
Ooh, you naughty boy, you need to work harder googling. I would love you to see my Celtic mounds.
On 30 Jan 2009 at 9:42pm Wizard of Woz wrote:
Good golly Marina, I tried a bit harder as you suggested and I'm quite overcome.
On 30 Jan 2009 at 9:53pm Marina Juggs" pepper wrote:
My Lib Dem colleagues didn't choose me for nuffin'!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
On 4 Feb 2009 at 1:50pm Marina "Juggs" Pepper ne Baker wrote:
Hi Everyone if you want to know more about me try googling me or wikipedia under my maiden name " Marina Baker"
On 22 Mar 2009 at 10:08pm BBW wrote:
Can anyone update me please - surely the lap dancing club in Cliffe High Street can't be going ahead - I'm horrified. I think it's really sad that so many people here seem intent on changing what is so special in this beautiful and historic town. Everyone supporting this should perhaps think of moving elsewhere - maybe Croydon.