Lap dancing venue plans rejected

Plans for Mansfield's first lap dancing club have been rejected.

The club would have been opened in a disused building in the Handley Arcade, with up to 10 dancers on busy nights.

Numerous people objected, including the town's MP Alan Meale, but the developers argued it would bring more business into the area.

On Monday Mansfield's licensing panel decided there were already enough local pubs and clubs, and might add to crime and disorder problems.

'Fair hearing'

The applicants Paul Gilby and Edward Deverill have three weeks to appeal against the council's decision.

Mr Deverill said: "The reason they've dismissed it is crime and disorder - there is a problem in that area of town.

"I think the venue we were looking to open, and may still be looking to open whether or not we decide to appeal, would have detracted from any problems rather than cause any further problems.

"As far as the moral aspect, the council said that they haven't taken that into consideration, and I believe them, I think they've given us a fair hearing."