DANCERS at East Lancashire's only lap dancing venue have been given permission to go fully nude after a legal battle.

The decision has concerned councillors and church leaders who fear that the establishment makes the town undesirable and degrades women.

Police also fear they could have difficulty investigating sexual assault allegations made by dancers that work in full nudity premises.

Canon Andrew Hindley, from Blackburn Cathedral, said: "Ifeel that this kind of operation demeans women"

Girls at the Velvet Lounge, Duke Street, Blackburn, were previously allowed to strip only to their G-strings when performing.

But a Blackburn with Darwen Council decision to ban them from going totally nude was overturned at a licensing appeal.

Stephen Knapp, representing the Velvet Lounge, said the 'G-string condition' only appeared in the council's decision document when they granted the club's entertainment licence and did not appear in the licence document.

He argued that the only way the ban could continue to be enforced was if it was for safety and security reasons.

But after hearing evidence from the club's licensee, Georgia Elliot, and dancer Karen McIntyre, magistrates decided there was no increased risk to the safety of performers.

They were told that the dances took place in open booths, under the supervision of door staff and CCTV cameras.

Granting the licence, the magistrates said: "We do not feel we have undermined the policy of the local authority on lap dancing.

"However, it must take place in open booths as before and all the previous conditions still apply."

Speaking after the hearing, Ms Elliot said: "This should have really happened 12 months ago when the licence was first granted.

"I am extremely happy because I love Blackburn and this is good news for the town.."

Steve Finley, Eastern Division's police licensing officer, told magistrates: "Our concern is the difficulty in enforcing premises with a full nudity licence with regard to allegations of sexual assault and sexual misconduct."

Coun Colin Rigby, leader of the council's Conservative group, said: "The council was against it at the time and our position has not changed - we are still against it.

"The argument that Preston has got one is not an argument that we should have one.

"Somebody, somewhere has to take a stand against this."

The council will not be seeking to include the 'G-string' rule at the renewal of the club's entertainment licence.

The Velvet Lounge opened in July 2003 after a £400,000 renovation of the former Cubes nightclub.