THE Shuttle/Times and News took to the streets of Kidderminster to give people the chance to voice their opinions on plans to create Wyre Forest's first lap-dancing club.

The bid to open the club at the former Tico's wine bar in Blackwell Street was exclusively revealed in the Shuttle/Times and News last week.

One of two businessmen behind the venture, Michael Hartshorne, said he expected "moral" objections but was hopeful the club - featuring topless girls - would open by the end of the year. A public entertainment licence application is due to go before Wyre Forest District Council shortly.

Mars Chua found out what people thought of the plans.

Claire Pearson, 21, a student nurse from York Street, Kidderminster:

"It's a majorly tacky idea.

"At the end of the day, I respect the girls doing it, but it is not what Kidderminster needs. They should build more decent nightclubs instead.

"I think Kidderminster residents are mostly mature and the youngsters like to go to Worcester to go out.

"I don't think it's going to happen to be honest with you, there are a lot of people against it."

Chris Thacker, 31, a building society worker of Truro Drive, Kidderminster:

"I think it's more of a city thing. I can't see anything wrong with it and obviously there ought to be a place to go to for that sort of thing.

"I wouldn't personally go myself. I just don't see anything wrong with it. Obviously there is a call for it here if they're opening one.

"It's just a bit of fun. We get women watching the Chippendales, so what's wrong with men watching female dancers?

"At the end of the day, it's good on the girls who do it. If they've got the body, why not flaunt it? It should be the same with men."

Richard Lynch, 26, a bank worker from Queen Street, Kidderminster:

"I think it will bring a lot of business to start off with because it would appeal to some people.

"I personally would not go though - it's just not my thing.

"I think it's not as seedy as it used to be seen, it's more professional now. Big cities have it and you get to see a lot of it from newspapers and the telly now.

"I think the people of Kidderminster will soon get used to it."

Roy Clark, 48, an electrical engineer from Cleobury Mortimer:

"No. I don't think it's good for Kidderminster - not at all.

"Kidderminster is not a cosmopolitan type of town. If the club is in the middle of Birmingham it's OK because there are more people who go to places like that there.

"I won't go personally, but it's a personal preference at the end of the day. I'm sure if it opens, it will find a niche, but it doesn't really appeal to me.

"I just don't think it's appropriate, we've got a small community and big rural areas."