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12.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 25th Sep 2009

Steve Gilbert and Lynne Featherstone MP discuss how to fight lap-dancing clubs

Steve Gilbert, the prospective MP for Newquay, met with Hornsey & Wood Green MP, Lynne Featherstone, at the Lib Dem's annual conference in Bournemouth this week to compare notes on the best way to fight the spread of lap dancing clubs.

Steve Gilbert has been a vocal critic of the spread of lap-dancing clubs in Newquay and has worked with local residents to challenge the clubs in the courts. Lib Dem MP Lynne Featherstone is currently fighting an application for a lap-dance club in Crouch End, part of her north London constituency.

Steve Gilbert said: "The unregulated and seemingly unremitting spread of lap-dancing clubs is not just an issue in Newquay it's an issue affecting the whole country. I've been campaigning for better controls for over two years now and met with Lynne to get a first-hand account of the campaign she's involved with."

Lynne Featherstone MP, said: "Steve and I shared some tips on how best to use the current system to fight these applications. It's clear that the law needs to change."

Steve added: "The Government keeps saying they are going to do something, but they need to get on with it. At the moment they are consulting again on possible changes but they need to make time available in the House of Commons sooner rather than later. The new laws must include the provision to review existing licences, ways to involve local people in decision making about where lap-dancing clubs can open and put in place proper safeguards."