HOUNSLOW'S only strip club has applied to open around the clock, despite fierce opposition from the local church minister.
Mist Gentlemen's Club, on the site of the former Riley's snooker hall, in Hounslow High Street, has been open since November 2010.
However, the club's new owner H Properties Ltd has applied for a new 'sexual entertainment venue' licence.
It wants to change the name to Redd Lips and open around the clock, seven days a week, rather than until 4am as at present.
Reverend Malcolm Herbert, of nearby Holy Trinity Church, is furious about the move.
He claims the venue goes against the council's vision to regenerate the High Street as an attractive, friendly and safe place for everyone.
"I am very worried about the impact on children and families, especially with so many schools in the area," he added. "There's also the issue of whether it will stretch police resources if it becomes a 24-hour operation."
About 20 people attended a meeting at the church on Sunday (May 13) to discuss concerns about the strip club.
When Mist first opened it sparked outrage among some members of the community, with a 900 signature petition being presented to the council.
The strength of the public reaction led to tougher rules being introduced for strip joints and lap-dancing clubs wishing to open in the borough, under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982.
The new regulations, enabling councillors to refuse permission for such venues if it is felt they would harm the 'character' of an area, were approved in November last year.
However, Pritpal Dhiman, the former owner of Mist, this week defended the club, claiming there had not been a single crime committed there in the year-and-a-half he was in charge.
"It was very well run and caused no problems, unlike the many pubs in the town centre," he added.
H Properties Ltd, it was unavailable for comment as the Chronicle went to press this week.
