With regard to Worthing Borough Council's decision to allow a lap dancing club to open in the town (The Argus, March 28), I believe there is plenty of evidence why lap dancing should not be allowed. The evidence is clear. Since lap dancing commenced in England in 1997 sexual crime has escalated.
The evidence from Camden in London shows that lap dancing and striptease clubs have resulted in a 50 per cent increase in rape and a 57 per cent increase in sexual assault.
There are now no-go areas in Camden and rape in the area is three times the national average.
The Lilith Report on Camden says: "Fear is a key concern of residents. One in five Camden people fear assault."
Research carried out by the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce in 2003 found three-quarters of city centre businesses believed that lap dancing clubs would damage the reputation of the city. Half were concerned about the safety of their staff in the vicinity of the clubs.
- Steve Stevens, Rowlands Road, Worthing
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