The battle against a lap-dancing club planned for the former Fox Tavern in West Kensington is back on after owners challenged a council decision to prevent the sexy venue from opening.

Last week, the owners of the former Fox Tavern applied to do battle in court with Hammersmith and Fulham Council over a ruling made in November, which stopped an erotic dance bar in North End Crescent from gaining a licence.

The move has prompted outcry from protesters.

Campaign group Stop the Fox, which has more than 500 members, has vowed to reignite its fight against the lap-dancing venue.

"We are going to fight our cause 100 per cent," said spokeswoman Rachel Marlowe, a mum-of-two who lives in North End Crescent.

"This is a neighbourhood full of families. People don't want a lap-dancing club in this neighbour-hood. That hasn't changed and it never will change."

Stop the Fox added that residents near the club, which is currently a champagne bar called The Crescent, have been complaining to police as late as 3am about noise.

The group is encouraging neighbours to report problems with crime, parking or disturbance to the council.

Ms Marlowe said: "We are going to make sure that the people who are unhappy about the way the club is being run get their say."

When the bar owner applied for an erotic dance venue on November 6 last year, 200 residents crowded into Hammersmith Town Hall for the licensing hearing.

A standing ovation and stamping of feet greeted the sub-committee's decision to withhold the licence, on the grounds that the club may not prevent crime and disorder, protect children from harm, help public safety and prevent a public nuisance.

More than 1,041 objections had been received by Hammersmith and Fulham Council, together with a petition signed by 250 residents.

On the upcoming courtroom battle, a council spokeswoman said: "The council will vigorous-ly defend the licensing sub-committee's original decision to refuse a lap-dancing licence."

Despite repeated attempts to contact the club owner, David Moynihan, and his lawyer, neither were available for comment.

The challenge will be heard between April 27 and May 1, at West London Magistrates' Court in Talgarth Road, Hammersmith.