[Acrylic-bob]

I had to laugh when I read about the planning application for the Lap Dancing Club in Accrington. I just think the whole thing and the fuss about it is so funny and so Accrington.
But one thing I read in the Observer article gave me pause for thought.
Cllr. Gareth Molineux is reported as justifing his decision before a full council in the following terms...
"We considered the Home Office guidance.
It’s not a residential area and not in a sensitive location near services targeted at children. Nor are there buildings nearby used for tourism or religious purposes."

I had to wonder at the familiarity with Accrington town centre, or rather the lack of it, dispalyed by Cllr. Molineux.

It is not in a sensitive location near services targeted at children.
Does Quattro's ban children then?

Is Blackburn Road and the front of the Market Hall not frequented by children on a daily basis?

Nor are there buildings nearby used for tourism
Town Hall Information Centre?
Market Hall?
Bus Station?
Taxi Ranks?

or religious purposes
St James' Church?

Please don't misunderstand me. I am not now, nor have I ever been a member of Kevin Logan's fan club. In fact I am of the firm conviction that the sooner he disappears up his own testament the better it would be for everyone.
But, The Observer, continues...
At last week's full council meeting, a written question from campaign leader Rev Kevin Logan asked why councillors considered the club would "fit the character of our town."
He claimed they had allowed licence applications to be rubber-stamped without debate.
He told the Observer: "The council acted high-handedly in adopting this law to grant Sexual Entertainment Licences without any consultation and with hardly any notice.
"All they did was put up a small typewritten note on a lamp-post in the town centre and a small ad in the local newspaper. If the councillors think that in certain circumstances such a sex entertainment venue is in keeping with the town, and their ruling implies this, then they have a very low view of Accrington.
"It will be next to the town hall and across the way from the parish church, and at the exact place where hundreds of children disembark from their school buses."

I feel that in such circumstances Logan has got the matter pretty spot on, though for exactly the wrong reasons.

Is this just another example of HBC acting in our name but without even pausing to consider what we might actually want or need?
Is it appropriate to site a Lap Dancing establishment directly opposite the Town Hall and Market Hall?