Gay club can stay open

The club offers a variety of music

Swindon's only gay and lesbian club has been allowed to stay open in a move which has angered some local residents.

The London Street Club in Swindon has had its temporary planning permission extended for a further five years by the borough council.

But some residents say the club is responsible for anti-social behaviour in the area.

The club opened in November 1998 in the town's historic railway village, and has since built up a clientele of around 2,000

There is a prolonged history of complaints about noise and anti-social behaviour

John Taylor
Labour councillor

David Potter, development control manager on the council, told BBC News Online that there were few official complaints about the club.

"It actually applied for permanent planning permission, he said.

"But there is potential for redevelopment there and some concerns over noise, so only temporary permission was granted."

John Taylor, a Labour councillor, said some local residents were 'enraged'.

"There is a prolonged history of complaints about noise and anti-social behaviour - and a lack of action from the council.

"Local people have lost confidence in the enforcement procedure," he added.