A PUBLIC meeting has been called to debate plans to open a lap dancing club near a world heritage site.

Vimac Leisure has won permission to start offering the entertainment in The Loft, in North Road, Durham City.

But residents are challenging the decision, taken last month by Durham City Council's licensing panel, and have called the meeting to organise their efforts.

They said the location is inappropriate because:

* There are homes, churches and a hospital nearby;

* It is near the world heritage site of Durham Castle and Cathedral;

* Visitors arriving by train will walk past to get to the city centre;

* It sends the wrong message to teenagers using the nearby bus station.

Kirsty Thomas, one of the organisers, said: "This is not a facility that is appropriate for a university city and a world heritage site.

"It is completely out of keeping with the vision for the city.

"We really feel that we have a very good case."

Sue Walker, who lives in nearby Tenter Terrace, said: "I cannot believe that the company has found a need or demand for this.

"There used to be a balance on North Road, but now it has just been taken over by people who want to get out of their minds on drink.

"If it was a large city, it would be fine but it's not; it is tiny."

The objectors have the backing of Durham MP Dr Roberta Blackman-Woods.

However, Vimac has filed its own challenge, objecting to some of the restrictions imposed by the licensing panel.

Lap dancing was limited to Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, and the company was banned from advertising the entertainment.

Magistrates will hold a preliminary hearing on both appeals on Monday, September 24.

If the residents lose, they could be told to pay Vimac's legal bills.

The public meeting will be held in St Nicholas' Church, in Durham Market Place, from 7.30pm on Wednesday.

It will be chaired by Durham City councillor Peter Thompson and attended by Dr Blackman-Woods.

Vimac Leisure will not be invited.

The company could not be contacted for further comment last night.