Scantily clad girls are to perform at a Chelmsford nightspot when the town's first pole-dancing club opens its doors.

Former live music venue The Cave has been renovated and is due to feature up to 10 girls dancing three nights a week from tonight.

The Cave opened last December as a venue for live bands, but owner Jo Ferrari says it has struggled to pull in the punters.

The change is permitted under its existing licences.

Mr Ferrari said: "It's a milestone for Chelmsford because it's a first but people have nothing to fear. The police and the council know and nothing untoward, unsavoury or illegal will go on.

"I have to make money and this is a way of doing so. It's only a bit of nudity in a closed-off club that people can't see into. You can see people on the beach like that or in some newspapers. I'm not doing anything that isn't already out there.

The club is thought to be a suitable venue because, situated under arches opposite Chelmsford railway station, it has no windows, so people can't see in.

In addition, management has been told to ensure no-one can see into the girls' dressing room and that a security guard is in front of the stage.

The club must also have notices at its entrance warning people of the type of entertainment inside.

A spokeswoman for Chelmsford Borough Council said: "The Cave is permitted within its music and dancing licence to provide exotic dance performances if they so wish.

''The club has approached CBC and other relevant authorities to consult on health and safety, licence regulations and standards and conditions which protect performers and ensure the entertainment provided is legal and responsible."

Published Friday August 13, 2004

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