PLANS to run lap-dancing nights at an Oxford bar have received backing from readers on the Oxford Mail’s website oxfordmail.co.uk Last week more than 100 people opposing the proposals gathered in Bonn Square to appeal for support.

Members of St Ebbe’s Church, in Pennyfarthing Place, are leading the fight against the application by neighbours Thirst Lodge.

However, most commentators on our website believe the bar should be allowed to have lapdancers.

Pierre My, from East Of Green Road, said: “Reading the story there are all the usual ridiculous unsubstantiated reasons why they don’t want it.

“I was just waiting for somebody to scream ‘Think of the children’.”

Nightshift, from Oxford, said: “Next to St Ebbe’s Church is a supermarket. Ironically, the beers, wines and spirits section is the closest to the church building.

“It sells alcohol at vastly reduced prices and greater volume than The Lodge.

“Of the two businesses closest to the church, which is the most likely to increase cases of domestic violence, violence against women, unwanted pregnancy, parents buying alcohol for children and admissions to A&E departments?

“In fact how many strip club-related admissions are there to A&E departments in Oxford?”

LadyPenelope, from West Oxon, agreed.

She said: “I don’t see the problem with a lapdancing club. No one is forcing those girls to dance.

“It’s just people trying to make a living paid by people who are somewhat sad enough to cough up cash for that sort of thing.”

Cottage2day, from Oxford, added: “This is just what Oxford needs. Just need a nice steak house next to it – what a night.”

Members of St Ebbe’s Church joined residents, students and leaders of the Muslim community in opposition to the plan on Saturday.

Oxford City council’s licensing committee approved the plan in December, but a hearing will take place at Oxford Magistrates’ Court next month after the church appealed against the decision.

Only one reader posted a comment opposing the scheme.

Any One, from OX1, said: “I’m sure you know, if you think about it, that how some young women end up in jobs such as lapdancing does indeed involve covert force.

“There are usually many factors that are not always immediately obvious, like men controlling these young women.”

dhearn@oxfordmail.co.uk