A CONTROVERSIAL lap-dancing club is due to open in a County Durham town at the end of next month.

Businessman Sukhdev Singh Gill hopes to open Red Velvet in Front Street, Consett, on July 27.

More than 1,000 people objected to the club where men will pay women for private topless dances.

People fear it will lead to a rise in anti social-behaviour and rowdiness in the town centre.

Derwentside District Council's alcohol and entertainment licensing committee could find no reason for refusing the application and it was approved in January.

Mr Gill said he has received a lot of interest from women who want to work at the club and has taken on around 20 to work as dancers.

"I am feeling completely confident it is going to be a success, he said.

"The more feedback I am getting the more positive I feel.

"The girls are very interested. People are dying to get it open so I have got a good feeling."

Durham Constabulary said there were no grounds to oppose the opening of the club.

Mr Gill added: "The police have warned me to expect more protests at the opening of the club.

"But the law has got nothing against it and neither has anyone who lives nearby, so there is no real reason for anyone to object."

Councillor Clive Robson, deputy leader of Durham County Council, who represents Consett, was part of the campaign opposing the club's opening in the town.

"The opposition has not gone away and there is still huge anger at the decision to let this bar go ahead, he said.

"People are offended by the sleazy image it will bring to the town.

"They want to feel proud to live here, but this is making them feel squalid and embarrassed.

"There does not appear to be anything we can do at the minute, but we will be monitoring the situation.

"If we see any deterioration of standards in the town or the mistreatment of women then we will being taking action."