TRADERS and councillors have spoken of their joy after a lap dancing club was refused permission to expand during race days.

City of York Council's Gambling, Licensing and Regulatory Committee decided against granting a variation of a licence to Upstairs VIP Ltd, which operates above Mansion nightclub, to stop them opening until 5am seven days a week, and extending their dancing business to the ground floor on race days.

Their sexual entertainment licence was granted for another 12 months, however, the plans which had been met with objections from ward councillors and those living close by, were rejected, much to the delight of ward councillors.

Cllr Julie Gunnell, Micklegate ward councillor for City of York Council, said: "I'm really pleased the variation has been turned down.

"There's been a lot of objections from local residents and I'm really pleased they have been listened to.

"The number of families in Micklegate is growing all the time and I don't think it's suitable that the licence could have been granted to open it even later in the morning .

"If that had been granted, it would have been unfair to local residents and families."

Five residents objected to the plans objecting to the proposals to increase the opening hours as they suggested it would only add to exiting noise problems.

Micklegate Cllr Sandy Fraser added: "We were against an extension of hours for the club.

"It has to be recognised that the street is a mixed area with businesses and residents.

"It's a residential area and to extend the hours would be to add to the potential disturbance of residents in the area."

Speaking after the meeting, club owner Andrew Whitney said he would consider appealing the decision as he believed the premises is "too good to give up on."