RESIDENTS on Bath Street have hit out at Warrington Borough Council for failing to consult with them over a new lap dancing club.

Delicious is set to open on Legh Street after a licence was granted by the council, as revealed in the Warrington Guardian.

No objections were registered against the licensing application.

However, neighbours say they wanted to oppose the club, which offers full nudity strip shows, but were not told it was being set up.

The council said it has no legal obligation to consult directly on licensing matters.

Carolynne Fisher, aged 67, lives on Bath Street, where there are six homes metres away from Delicious.

She said: “The first I knew about this club was when I read it in the Guardian.

“The issue is they said there hasn’t been any objection but that’s because we weren’t given the chance to object.

“I think of Bath Street as being on the edge of the cultural quarter and its right next to the Town Hall.

“This isn’t the culture we want the town to portray.”

A council spokesman said: “The applicant is required to display a public notice on its premises and in the local press.

“ A copy is also placed on the council's website.

“There is no legal requirement to notify residents or businesses directly.

“It is important that the council complies with the national guidance, in order to remain impartial, and so as not to prejudice the legal process.

“The council has been contacted by some residents and we have written back to them to explain all the procedures.”

Mrs Fisher said that neighbours still should have been told because of the controversial nature of the strip club.

She added: “My 14-year-old loves to visit in the summer and goes to play in Bank Park.

“She will be coming home when this club is open at 7pm at weekends.

“The owner said it wouldn’t be operating when other businesses are, but our homes don’t have opening times.”