A Kingston strip club has been given the all clear to stay open later on weekends, following a decision from Kingston Council/

Stir777 Ltd has had its licence application approved, meaning its permitted closing time is extended from 2.30am to 3am on Mondays to Wednesdays under a new sex establishment licence - the same time it already shuts on Thursdays.

The business, which first opened on High Street in 2018, has also been allowed to extend its closing time from 4am to 5am on Fridays and Saturdays. The venue opens at 10pm.

The application drew one objection and five letters of support. One supporter wrote that female residents had "voiced understandable unease about the nature of the business" but the venue operating as a strip club "has had no negative impact".

They said the venue first operated as a standard nightclub, which led to 'regular late night disturbance and rowdiness which impacted the quality of life' of residents but that they 'have not experienced any similar problems associated with the clientele' since it has been a strip club.

The venue first opened on Kington high street in 2018 (Google).

Another resident added: "My support is based on my lived experience in close proximity to this club for many years, and I believe its continued function by the current operator is valuable to the local community because it creates zero crime, zero noise and zero antisocial behaviour to the locality, but it does provide a security and responsible presence all the time it is open."

Strip777 Ltd has also been granted a new premises licence to follow the extended opening hours requested under the separate sex establishment licence application.

The changes allow the venue to host dance performances and play recorded music from 10pm to 3am on Mondays to Thursdays, and from 10pm to 5am on Fridays and Saturdays. It will also be able to sell booze from 10pm to 2.30am on Mondays to Thursdays, and from 10pm to 4.30am on Fridays and Saturdays.

The council's licensing committee discussed both applications at separate hearings on April 8, and has since granted permission for both.