THE owner of Oxford’s only lap-dancing club has vowed it will reopen after a High Court ruling forced it to close.

The Lodge Gentleman’s Club in Oxpens Road was forced to close on Friday after the High Court backed Oxford City Council’s decision to refuse it a sex licence.

The council alleged the venue had a negative impact on the local area.

Owner Al Thompson said this week that he was angry with the decision.

He added: “We are shocked and very disappointed with the judgement.

“It has huge implications not just on our business but for the night-time industry as a whole.

“We have taken legal advice and instructed our lawyers to take the matter to the Court of Appeal.”

Mr Thompson confirmed the club opened for the last time on Thursday and did not open for trade on Friday or at the weekend. He said he hoped it would be in a position to reopen as early as this weekend.

The High Court ruled on Friday that Oxford City Council was correct to refuse a renewal of the club’s sexual entertainment licence.

The council said the club’s location was “inappropriate” given its proximity to Oxford Ice Rink, which attracts families.

Controversy has dogged the lap-dancing club since it first opened.

Mr Thompson moved the venue, formerly called Thirst Lodge, from Pennyfarthing Place in the city centre in 2011 after the council said it was too close to St Ebbe’s Church and tourist spots.

It was allowed to open with an approved licence, but in September last year the council refused to renew it, saying the venue was having an adverse effect on the area.

Mr Thompson, who had spent £10,000 refurbishing the venue, took his case to the High Court.

He argued that there had been no complaints from residents or police, and the council had acted unfairly given their approval the year before.

But High Court Judge Mr Justice Haddon-Cave on Friday backed Oxford City Council’s decision.

Ranjit Bhose QC, defending the council, had accused The Lodge of contributing to “the creation of a hostile atmosphere and incidents of harassment”.

However, he admitted the allegations of harassment were “anonymous hearsay”.

The council declined to comment.