COMMENT ON CORNISH GUARDIAN INVESTIGATION OF DIVAS

10.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 6th Aug 2008

Stephen Gilbert, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary candidate for Newquay, commenting on the recent undercover investigation by the Cornish Guardian into Divas Gentleman's Club, said: "I am sure a lot of people will be shocked by what your report reveals - the offer of a live sex-show seems to me to be a long-way from the innocent image the promoters would have us all believe."

Stephen added: "For me, the issue is not what consenting adults get up to, but what sort of place we want Newquay to be in the future.

"When I was growing up in Cornwall, Newquay used to be a family friendly town and now, sadly, it has a reputation for being Britain's Benidorm.

"Newquay's sleazy image is making families think twice about visiting which is a shame as families tend to spend their money across a wider range of local attractions and so are better for the overall economy. Over reliance on the night-time economy is bad for business as Newquay is missing out on the more lucrative family market.

"But let's not forget the people who actually live in Newquay. It's clear to me that the vast majority of residents feel that things have gone too far. I don't think it is acceptable for locals to feel afraid of going into their own town centre in the evening, but evidence from elsewhere in the country does show that women are more at risk of violence where lap-dancing clubs operate.

"Overall we need to see a better balance. Residents are rightly fed-up with the anti-social behaviour that seems to be part and parcel of the club scene and the current sleazy image is driving away families.

"Newquay could be a great seaside destination for all ages to visit and enjoy and a town that local people can feel safe in. Tightening the licensing laws, so that local people can have more of a say on what sort of venues open in the town would be a step in the right direction."