Victory over strip club

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Pub withdraws application to turn the Crescent into a lapdancing club

Residents and local politicians have been celebrating the news that the owners of the Crescent on North End Road (formerly the Fox Pub) have withdrawn their application to turn it into a lapdancing and strip club.

Following the application last year, Hammersmith and Fulham Council recieved over 1,000 letters, including a petition signed by 250 residents, objecting to the plans by Passion Nights Ltd.

Residents living in West Kensington were worried that a lapdancing club would lead to noise, crime and anti-social behaviour.

The licence application was turned down in November by Hammersmith and Fulham Council, but the owners of the pub launched an appeal.

Cllr Greg Smith, Hammersmith and Fulham Council's Cabinet Member for Crime and Street Scene, said, “This is good news for local people who were up in arms at the proposal.

“I’m pleased that the idea looks to have been taken off the table altogether now as it was quite evident that local residents simply did not feel this was an appropriate venue for this sort of establishment.”

Andy Slaughter, MP for Ealing, Acton and Shepherd's Bush said: "Huge celebrations around Avonmore this week as the news spread that Passion Nights would not be pursuing their attempt to open a lapdancing club at the Crescent Club on North End Road. Whatever the reason for the turnaround, this has been a giant effort by all concerned."

Shaun Bailey, prospective Parliamentary candidate for Hammersmith, said: "It just goes to show what can be achieved when we speak up with a strong voice and fight for what we believe in.

"Much credit must go to the two ladies Lindsey Pitt and Patsy Heavy who started the campaign and galvanised such a large group of local people, professionals and politicians.

"There have also been rumours that the Crescent may now be applying for an extended licence. I will of course strongly oppose this if they do apply. I strongly believe that disturbances created from the noise by large crowds arriving and leaving the club late at night and the issues of fights and anti social behaviour should not have to be placed on local residents in a residential neighbourhood and I will continue to lobby the council on this matter and monitor the situation closely."

April 24, 2009