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Stephen Gilbert MPCornwall's voice in the Commons |
GILBERT URGES COUNCIL TO REJECT LAP DANCING APPLICATION
May 25, 2012 4:40 PM
At today's licensing hearing of Cornwall Council, which considered the application for a lap-dancing club on Bank Street in Newquay, Stephen Gilbert MP urged councillors to reject the plans.
The local MP, who was unable to attend in person due to commitments representing the United Kingdom at the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, was represented by local Councillor, Joanna Kenny, who read a statement to the hearing.
In his submission, Stephen argued that the location was completely unsuitable for an establishment of this type and pointed to research from VisitNewquay, the town's official destination marketing body which shows that the local tourism market and local economy would not benefit from this application.
Following a debate, the committee rejected the plans.
Commenting on the proposals, Stephen Gilbert said:
"I have supported the local community in their opposition to lap-dancing clubs in our town both as a Parliamentary Candidate and now as an MP. I want to be clear, this is not an objection based on any moral grounds - what consenting adults do in private is down to them, but to position a lap-dancing club on Newquay's main shopping street is, I believe, a matter for public debate and concern.
"Research from VisitNewquay shows that this proposal would only have had a negative effect on our town. Newquay needs to move beyond the under-30s holiday market and return to what it does best - good quality family holidays. We need to play to our strengths and build on the fantastic beaches, world class hotels and restaurants and family facilities that we do so well.
"It is great news that the committee have rejected these plans. This is a victory for Newquay and I look forward to working with VisitNewquay, Cornwall Council and local residents over the coming months and years to deliver a vision for Newquay that we can all enjoy."