Lap dance bosses to fight on
The owner of a firm bidding to open Shrewsbury's first lap dancing club today vowed to fight on after councillors rejected the controversial venue.
Gemini Games Ltd wants to turn a hall near the train station into an exotic club featuring semi-naked, nude, pole and lap dances as well as private performances.
But Shrewsbury & Atcham Borough Council refused the application on Tuesday, arguing the site was unsuitable and would increase fear of crime.
Members of the development control committee went against officer recommendations and threw out plans for the dancing venue.
Jem Symmonds, Gemini owner, today said he was intending to challenge the decision.
"We are planning an appeal. We didn't see any reason whatsoever for the refusal and we intend to pursue it. We are considering our options, but we were bemused by the decision."
At this week's meeting Jill Bedford, from Underdale Road, was given rapturous applause by a packed public gallery after she warned councillors the venue could lead to concerns over public safety, organised crime and the decline of the area.
The club was proposed for the first and second floors of Central Hall, in Castle Gates, currently Shropshire Business Centre.
An "unacceptable" increase in the fear of crime, potential problems with customers queueing near other bars and noise were given as the reasons for refusal.
But Gemini Games says there is no evidence to suggest the club will lead to an increase in crime and promised to introduce stringent security and CCTV to ensure public safety.
