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Strip club ‘would be a disaster’
Wednesday 5th August 2009, 11:30AM BST.
A lap dancing and strip club in Wolverhampton city centre would be a “formula for disaster”, according to police bosses who have strongly objected to the plans.
Divas, which would transform a former bar and restaurant opposite one of the city’s main churches, has attracted a wave of protests from official agencies and local businesses.
Businessman Dharam Singh Jagpal wants to open a “gentlemen’s club” in Darlington Street aimed at Asian men which would employ women wearing traditional dress. He has applied for an all-night licence.
But police chiefs say they have serious concerns about the potential for crime and disorder at the club and accuse Mr Jagpal, aged 26, of putting little research into his application. The fire authority and environment services have also lodged complaints.
In a letter to the city council, Wolverhampton police licensing officer Natalie Holt says: “The operation in question covers alcohol consumption, sexual arousement and late-night opening.
“In fact, it would be the only place in the city to get a drink at that time, which the police see as a formula for disaster.”
She says Mr Jagpal has failed to address a number of issues, including the siting of three booths for private dances. For the women’s safety, there would need to be at least eight permanent security staff.
The police also argue that entry to the club would be via a quiet street, leaving it vulnerable to street robberies and attacks.
Councillor Roger Lawrence, leader of Wolverhampton Labour Group, who represents the area, has raised concerns about the congregating of men, possibly under the influence of drink, at unsuitable hours.
Mr Jagpal has applied for a licence from 9am through to 6.30am the following day.
Estate agents Whitegates has written a strongly worded objection.
The application will be discussed at a licensing sub-committee meeting.
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I agree for once with councillor Roger Lawrence’s views this proposed business is totally out of keeping for the area and will increase the potential for crime and the safety of women.
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If the police had their way wolverhampton would become a ghost town, look if the place is run to the required standards whats the problem if there,s a market for that type of place then let it open.As for it being opposite a church, well nobody goes to church at 4 in the morning.
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The police are trying to make Wolverhampton into a ghost town. It’s less work for them if the town is empty- I understand that they have asked for all pubs to be shut in the town centre for the opening game in the Premier League against West Ham.
When are the chamber of commerce going to show some bottle and recognise that pubs are closing down because you can’t even have a drink in Wolverhampton whilst their is a wolves match on?
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Perhaps it might have something with the new courts over the road?
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I recently visit Wolverhampton after leaving a while back.
I could not believe how dirty and run down the old town now looks, Litter and grime everywhere.
Whilst I don’t agree with lap dancing clubs, to say it would lower the tone of the town is really taking the mickey.
This type of establishment would fit in well with the tired old run down town.
Next time you go into Wolverhampton take a real look at it. Look at the pavements, look at the litter and look at the dirty old buildings including St Peters.
It is NOT the Wolverhampton I loved and remembered.
Wolverhampton Council hold your heads in shsme.
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The operation in question covers alcohol consumption, sexual arousement and late-night opening.
Just another night club then? They’ve had these places in Birmingham,London,Manchester and West Brom with no more issues than any clubs or pubs give. Then again with the recent gun crime in Wolverhampton the police will edge on the side of caution won’t they? Come on it can’t be all bad Wolverhampton needs some good things at the moment!!
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Wolverhampton is dead and that is thanks to the council.
The town(never been worthy of city status) needs new ideas before its to late.
Traders are leaving in their droves,shame it is not the council.
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It will go ahead if the seedy left wing loonies have anything to do with it. Let’s hope people who have evolved enough to no longer feel the need to pay and perve will stop this tacky knuckle dragging effort.
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we got them eveywhere in Canada.
come here to live folks
best place in the world
it aint Gornal for sure
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wolves council are closing down most of the bars and clubs that there isnt much choice to go out in wolves(bank and rothwells), which means we have to travel to bham or other cities. let this club open at least we will have a place to drink late at night
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Well I have been to the Fringe (or whatever its called now-a-days) and that was OK but its the people that drank in there that made the place poor. It just made it look seedy. The Cobra has shut down, Rothwells gone (no money to do it up), Bank has gone, Litten Tree is nice in the day but wouldnt go in at night. The old Tube is rarely open, O’Niels is gone, Lightbar is dead I could go on and on!! This town really needs a massive shake up! Putting a naff fountain in the centre isnt going to do it! Centro could milk this problem by having the Metro run late at night to get to an from brum!!
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