West Kensington residents are continuing their fight to stop a proposed lap dancing club on the site of the former Fox pub on the corner of North End Road and North End Crescent.
More than 500 people have signed an online petition objecting to the plan, and all objectors have been invited to a licensing panel hearing, which will be held on November 6.
People living in surrounding streets, such as Mornington Avenue, Musard Road and Avonmore Road say that the Passion Nights lap dancing club is unsuitable in a ‘family orientated’ area, and would attract ‘rowdy crowds’ and criminals.
Labour MP Andy Slaughter said: "Obviously, we all hope the application will be turned down but whether it is or not either side can appeal the decision to the magistrates’ and even the High Court – and probably will."
Conservative Parliamentary candidate for Hammersmith and Fulham Shaun Bailey said that residents would be distressed if the club went ahead.
Speaking after attending the demonstration, he said: "One female resident who was there explained how builders have told passing ladies on their way home that in this time of the credit crunch, they could always get a job as a stripper.
"This sums up the type of comments residents could continue receive if the licence were to be approved."
He continued: "Another fact that has come to light is that the club have apparently spent up to £2million on refurbishments already, and that is without having a planning application approved! "This suggests that they are trying to influence the council by arguing they have spent a lot of money already. Perhaps they should have thought about the planning application before they shamelessly started refurbishing the pub!"
The former Fox pub is next to a library used by children, close to two local schools, and there are two nurseries within 200 metres.
October 22, 2008