Families unite to fight lap dancing club extension bid

Angels, in Dovecot Street, Stockton, opens from 5pm to 11pm, Thursday to Saturday, but owner Christopher Neil would like to extend the opening times by an extra hour until midnight.

Residents from Dovecot Street, as well as neighbouring Bright Street and Russell Street, have got together to object to the plans.

Bright Street and Russell Street are within an area of deprivation. Residents include the elderly, single parents and families of ethnic origin. John Angus, the Mill Lane community development worker, said: "The residents are concerned not only for these groups, but everyone else who passes the premises.

"They are fearful that the entertainment within Angels could increase the number of undesirable characters in the area, with the possible demand for prostitution."

The club is next door to the Stockton International Family Centre and manager Sacha Bedding is concerned about the centre's visitors.

He said it is bad enough to have the club neighbouring their premises without it now being the intention to open for longer hours. Throughout the day and night there are children and other vulnerable members of the community accessing the centre, he said.

A number of residents have also expressed concerns about children playing in the streets near the club and in the club's car park. One resident said: "With the recent increase of skateboards and scooters, the car park is really the only safe area kids can play.

"The kind of activity at the club, in an area surrounded by young children, cannot be allowed to continue.

"Nobody in the area knew a lap dancing club was opening and no one in the area wants any variation on the licence, as they do not think the licence should allow such activities in residential areas with lots of children."

Councillors from Stockton Borough Council's special licensing committee will meet on Friday to discuss the plans.

No one from Angels was available for comment yesterday