Anger at Gomshall Club "Strip Club"

By nle marie nicole le marie nicole.lemarie@essnmedia.co.uk

Anger has erupted after a village club applied to hold ladies and gentlemen "strip tease" nights

But the applicant for the Gomshall Village Club says the whole issue has been blown out of proportion just because he ticked a box.

Since its application to extend its licence until 2am, the club in Queen Street has been targeted by a leaflet campaign.

Most offence has been caused due to one box on the form, where the club has stated its intention to hold "Gentlemens and ladies evenings (strip tease)".

However club secretary, Richard Sherlock, claims a huge furore has been created over precautionary measures.

The 48-year-old from Peaslake, who has been a member of the club since he was 16, said: "We have always had a good relationship with the community.

"We have allowed for a 2am licence but it is just to cover us. I can't see us using it during the week.

"I feel it has all been blown out of proportion."

Mr Sherlock says that the club has started to receive silent phone calls and a leaflet campaign has been launched in the village with the slogan "Say 'no' to strip club acts and noisy late-night 'entertainment' functions."

But Mr Sherlock is adamant that the club is not about to turn into a "strip club."

He said: " In the last five years there have been two very mild ladies evenings – with audience members including women in their 80s.

"We ticked the box as a precaution. We didn't think of having a regular adult entertainment night – the average age of our membership is 50 years old.

"We have been in the village for 70-odd years and we are a private members' club and all our members are vetted.

"I would welcome anyone from the village who has concerns to come and see us and we will put their minds at rest."

The club has about 300 members and the hall is hired to local groups, such as the Scouts.

However, residents are divided on the application.

One Leather Lane resident, who lives near club and asked not to be named, said: "I think it's disgusting.

"We have a lot of young children and people under the age of 18 in this development who look directly on to the club.

"Strip nights would not be appropriate."

The 62-year-old added: "My main objections to their application is the noise and the lighting in the car park – which is fine up to 11pm but we wouldn't sleep if it was allowed until two.

Roger Tompkins, who has lived on Queen street for about 20 years said: "They have always been quiet neighbours. It doesn't bother me if they want to extend their licence."

As the Advertiser went to press, Guildford Borough Council had received eight objections.

Tomorrow (Friday) is the last day for objections and the application will be heard within 20 days of this.