Bosses deny lap dancing plan for club

Instead Eden Club — which will be at the site of the Stelgreco restaurant in Castle Foregate — will simply be run as a members' club for singles or couples who are over 25 and enjoy an evening out in a "safe, convivial atmosphere".

Bosses said the club would be for men and women, with Stelgreco expected to remain open as a restaurant until the end of 2009.

Earlier this week, licensing bosses confirmed to the Shropshire Star that permission had been granted for a change of use to a restaurant, wine bar and private members' nightclub and it had received approval for a new premises licence also allowing it to stage occasional lap dances.

A statement released on behalf of applicant Stelios Kakkindiris today said the licence allowed for an option to hold occasional lap dancing evenings - but said this would not happen at the club.

The statement said: "It was only ever an option and Stelios Kakkindiris has no intention of holding lap dancing evenings at Eden.

"Eden Club is proposed to be a members' only club for both men and women, single or as couples, who are over 25 and enjoy an evening out in a safe, convivial atmosphere.

"They will be charged a nominal annual fee to cover the costs of membership cards and administration.

"Stelgreco will remain open as a restaurant until the end of 2009."

The statement said the drinks licence for the site has been restricted to 2am during weekdays and 3am during weekends.