Nottingham City Council has welcomed Government proposals to tighten up controls on lap dancing venues.

The City Council has held concerns about such venues for many years and has taken the opportunity to outline its views to the Government as it considers whether to introduce measures which would stem the increase in the numbers of these establishments.

Leader of Nottingham City Council, Councillor Jon Collins, said: "The reputation and image of this type of establishment can impact on inward investment, tourism and the vibrancy and balance of communities.

"We would like to see legislation redrafted to allow councils to take into account such socio- economic concerns so that we have greater control over them. If such a provision were available we would certainly make use of it and we know that Nottinghamshire Police would support this position."

The City Council’s response to the Government, which is supported by Nottinghamshire Police, calls for a new Planning category of sex encounter establishments that will allow local authorities greater control over such establishments and mean socio-economic concerns could be taken into account, albeit supported by evidence