Local residents and business people who were outraged that a lap dancing club was allowed to stay open in the town centre have come together to form an action group.
ST Lounge was granted a new Sexual Entertainment Venue Licence by the General Licensing Sub-Committee at Cheshire East Council in March, despite objections from local residents, councillors and churches. The Police had no objections to the licence being granted.
Objectors have now formed 'Make Wilmslow Matter' to raise their concerns and ensure that Cheshire East Council hears their objections when the club reapplies for their license, within the next 12 months.
The Grove Street club, which has been operated since 2009 by Van Leisure Ltd, was forced to reapply for a licence following Cheshire East Council's adoption of Schedule 3 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 which came into effect from 4th April 2011.
The Council received thirteen letters of objection in relation to the application, during the twenty-eight day consultation period, on the grounds that the venue and location is totally inappropriate being in close proximity to churches, schools, residential areas and community facilities.
However, some residents are angry that most people were not aware of the application and denied the opportunity to voice their opinion because the public notice was placed in the Manchester Evening News, rather than the local newspaper, on December 30th.
Marion Amir-Hekmat, Chairman of Make Wilmslow Matter, said "By advertising in the local paper to Manchester, in the height of the festive season, local residents, schools, and businesses were completely unaware and therefore did not object. This practice, called tactical advertising is often utilized to bury information but according to the Council it is lawful. The Council are also satisfied that residents could have read the notice placed for a short time at the front of the Club."
Twenty five people attended an inaugural meeting of Make Wilmslow Matter recently, where they elected a board of representatives which includes local residents, ministers, local business representatives and a headmaster from a local school.
Marion Amir-Hekmat said "The objective of Make Wilmslow Matter is to ensure that the local community and resident's opinions and views are fairly represented in this application process, as is intended in the Act, and that we are not simply met with a fait accompli.
"The Ministerial forward to the new Sexual Entertainment Act states that previously 'there were concerns that existing legislation did not give communities sufficient powers to control where lap dancing clubs were established.' Section 27...'will give local people a greater say over where and how many clubs open and operate in their neighbourhood'. Sadly, in this case the local community was denied a voice."
Marion added "Make Wilmslow Matter represents a wide range of people from every area of the community, who wish to maintain the character of Wilmslow, to maintain the freedom for Wilmslow families to enjoy the benefits of the pedestrianised shopping areas and to protect Wilmslow and its citizens within in our small suburban society."
If you would like to get in touch with Make Wilmslow Matter you can email [email protected], contact Marion on 01625 537577 or Victoria on 07815 111959.
