COUNCILLORS will next week discuss whether a controversial lap dancing club can reopen as a nightclub.

An application for a premises licence has be submitted for the former Red Velvet club on Front Street in Consett.

The strip club, which was run by Sonny Gill, lost its drinks licence last January after a police drug raid found cocaine on the premises and has been closed ever since.

Durham County Council has received an application from Paget Singer for permission to open each night between 11pm and 3am.

If approved, Singers will able to supply alcohol, show films, sport and host live music.

But it is being opposed by Durham Constabulary, which fears it will disturb people who live in the residential area nearby.

Sergeant Tim Robson, licensing officer, said: “This premise has a problematic history and while operating as a lap dancing club there was a great deal of criminal activity associated with it.

“The application the operating schedule and the times of opening are not conducive with a premise in that location.”

Sgt Robson is opposing the new application on the grounds the opening of a club each night would lead to public nuisance and crime and disorder.

Controversy has surrounded the club since it opened above a fish and chip shop in 2007.

Residents and church groups opposed the seedy nature of the lap dancing business within the community.

Sonny Gill gave up his sexual entertainment licence after alcohol ban was imposed by councillors in January in the wake of the raid.

Last August, the house madam Cheryl ‘Dolce’ Byron, 46, of Newcastle, was jailed for two years and six month for supplying customers with cocaine following a four month undercover police operation.

Mr Singer has said the new club will operate zero tolerance drugs policy, which will be adhered to at all times.

On his application form he said: “Training records will be kept for every member of staff and endorsed after every straining session.

“The records will be made available to officers and responsible authorities when requested to do so.”

The meeting to determine the future of the club is being held at County Hall in Durham on Tuesday, July 15.