Anger after renewal of club’s sexual entertainment licence

It was granted despite more than 300 objections and fears aired that “sexually aroused men” would accost women in the area.

The sexual entertainments licence for Shades Gentleman’s Club, on the corner of High Street and Wise Street, was granted by Warwick District Councillors on Tuesday.

It came despite claims that it would harm the regeneration of Old Town and “reinforce the image of a shady, run-down area”, was inappropriate for a residential area and because of its closeness to a Hindu temple.

Of the 10 councillors who judged the application, five Conservatives approved it, with Tory chairman George Illingworth using his casting vote.

Cllr Illingworth said there was no evidence to support claims made against the club.

Alan Wilkinson, a Labour district councillor for the area said he was “disgusted and angry” at the decision.

He said: “I can’t get my head around how five Conservative councillors who are not Leamington councillors made this decision in the face of so much opposition from those who live and work in the area.

“It’s disappointing that the Hindu temple appears not to have been taken into account, but the fight goes on”

Of the 300 objections, 100 came from worshippers at the nearby Shree Krishna Temple and the Hindu Religious Association hired a barrister to fight their case.

Vik Tara, of the temple’s executive committee, said the decision was a “slap in the face”, not only for worshippers, but those who live and work in the area.

He said: “We have spent thousands over the last three years fighting this – but the cost will not put us off. We will be back next year.

“It will be on the same grounds and more objections. Does it require 3,000 objections and widening the campaign further?

“It would be interesting to see what would happen if it was a Conservative ward or in anyone of their wards.”

At the hearing, solicitor Ian Besant, representing owners Robert and Lisa Ransford, said: “We have had no information about anyone being harassed or assaulted by a Shades customer. This is a well run club.”

He said the club attracted a mature crowd, a large number of couples and up to 15 per cent of the clientele were women.

Mr Besant said there was no touching of the dancers or nudity and that the women included a social worker, trainee doctor and care workers.

He rejected claims that it was a predominantly residential area and said there had been no objections from people living in Wise Street

Brunswick ward Green Party county councillor Jonathon Chilvers pleaded with the licensing panel to reject it, saying it would harm Old Town’s regeneration. He said: “We are not giving up the fight. Having a sex club in south Leamington is not the way forward.”